When Gratitude Feels Hard: Building a Family Culture of Thankfulness Rooted in Peace

Rachel Johnson
15 hours ago
2 min read

If you're anything like me, you want your home to be filled with peace and gratitude - not just the kind we talk about at Thanksgiving, but the kind that weaves its way through everyday moments, even when life is messy.

This past season has reminded me just how much we need gratitude and peace, not only for ourselves but for our children watching us live it out.

I recently shared my heart about this on my podcast, A Home Built on His Promises, where I opened up about a time of spiritual battles - and how I've been learning to see gratitude as a lens we can intentionally choose, even when the enemy tries to steal our joy. That last sentence reminds me of one of my favorite songs, and if you haven't heard it, you should listen to that (and my podcast - linked below)!

🎧 Listen to Episode 3 here: “When Gratitude Feels Hard: Intentional Ways to Grow Thankful Hearts in Our Families”

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Peace and Gratitude Go Hand in Hand

One verse that's become an anchor for me is Colossians 3:15:

“And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.”

Peace and gratitude belong together. When the peace of Christ rules our hearts, there's space for gratitude to grow - even in the frustrating or unexpected parts of family life.

A Different Spin on Gratitude

Gratitude isn't just a list in a journal; it's a spiritual discipline that reframes how we see our neighbors, co-workers, kids' teachers, friends, family, and so on.... the list could be endless.

I shared these stories on the podcast:

Corrie ten Boom - giving thanks for something surprising - you'll have to listen to hear about the strange prayer of thanks she gives with her sister.
Paul - who we know wrote about contentment and thankfulness even when faced with the worst possible situations imaginable.

Reflection: Where Do You Struggle with Gratitude?

Where is God nudging you to flip your lens?

What's one thing you coplain about that you could reframe with thankfulness? How can you model this for your kids?

Gratitude doesn't ignore what's hard - it reframes it through God's promises.

Listen to the podcast to hear some intentional ideas you can start this week to start living with a lens of gratitude. Don't forget to download this FREE resource (shown below) to use when you need to pray peace and gratitude over yourself and your family. Put it in a place where you will be reminded to lean into this spiritual discipline.