The Daily: Monday November 24, 2025

Always dance with joy before our Honored Chief! I will say it again: dance with joy! Let everyone see how kind and thoughtful you are. Our Honored Chief is close at hand. Do not let your hearts be weighed down with anything. Instead, with every step you take, send your voice to the Great Spirit, asking him for the things you need. And in all your prayers remember to give him thanks. Then the peace and harmony of the Great Spirit, which goes far beyond our small and weak ways of thinking, will watch over your hearts and minds through the Chosen One, Creator Sets Free (Jesus).
Philippians 4:4-7

Wildman, Terry M.. First Nations Version: An Indigenous Bible Translation of the New Testament (p. 364). (Function). Kindle Edition.

While the season of Thanksgiving is an opportunity to root ourselves in gratitude, it is also a painful season for indigenous people and those who walk with them. In honor of them, our readings this week will be from the First Nations Version: An Indigenous Bible Translation of the New Testament.

Have you ever experienced a moment when gratitude just washed over you unexpectedly? Maybe it was holding a warm cup of coffee on a difficult morning, or watching sunlight stream through your window during a challenging season. These moments remind us that gratitude isn't always something we manufacture through willpower - sometimes it's a gift that finds us. Many of us struggle with gratitude as a practice. We know it's good for us, we've read the research, but consistency feels elusive.

The beautiful truth is that God meets us in our imperfection. Even when we can't seem to maintain a gratitude journal or remember to count our blessings, there are moments when grace breaks through our busy minds and anxious hearts. These unexpected encounters with thankfulness are invitations. They're gentle reminders that abundance surrounds us, even when life feels overwhelming. The warm water flowing over our hands, the simple existence of coffee mugs, the breath in our lungs - these ordinary miracles become doorways to wonder when we're present enough to notice them. Gratitude doesn't require perfection from us. It simply asks for openness to receive the gifts that are already present. Today, instead of pressuring yourself to be more grateful, simply stay alert for those moments when gratitude might find you.

Reflection Question
When was the last time gratitude surprised you in an ordinary moment, and what might it look like to create more space in your day for these unexpected encounters with thankfulness?

Prayer
God, thank you that your grace finds us even when we struggle to find you. Help us to be present and open to the moments when gratitude breaks through our busy lives. May we receive these gifts with wonder and let them remind us of your constant presence with us. Amen.