By Carey Jordan
As we approach this season of thanksgiving, we are reminded of the many blessings in our lives—our families, homes, health, and the opportunities we enjoy each day. Yet, in a world where anxiety and depression are increasingly common, it’s easy to lose sight of these blessings. In difficult moments, it’s important to pause, reflect, and remember all the reasons we have to be grateful.
This reminds me of a story about a 6-year-old boy I taught over 20 years ago.
Joseph’s life seemed unbearably difficult. Living with his great-grandmother, an elderly woman in her 80s, he had little support or care. His mother had chosen her boyfriend over him, leaving Joseph with few people to turn to. His great-grandmother, though well-meaning, didn’t have the health or energy to care for a young child. As a result, Joseph often went without proper meals, clean clothes, or anyone to tuck him in at night. Yet, every day he walked to school with a smile, eager for the one place where he felt loved and safe.
At school, Joseph found a different world. His teachers made sure he had clothes that fit, food to eat, and, most importantly, that he knew he was cared for. School became his refuge, his home. Despite challenging circumstances, Joseph never seemed to lose his joy. Though he had every reason to be angry or resentful, he chose gratitude. He didn’t have a mom or dad, and he was sometimes a burden to those who should’ve cared for him most, but he embraced the love he received from his teachers.
Joseph taught me more about gratitude than I ever expected to learn. His resilience and ability to choose thankfulness, no matter how tough his life was, was a lesson I’ll never forget. Despite lacking so much in material wealth and family support, he found joy in the community that embraced him. He showed me that gratitude isn’t about having everything you want—it’s about accepting the love, hope, and care you are offered.
We’re not promised an easy life. There will be times we feel lost, tired, afraid, and even experience rejection from those we love. Yet, we are offered the promise of Heaven—a place of safety, love, and joy. Jesus came, He even died for us, to offer these things if only we choose to accept it, and that’s something we can always be thankful for, no matter our circumstances.
As we reflect on our blessings this season, let’s give thanks for the love, peace, and hope that God offers. Let us live with hearts full of gratitude, like Joseph, no matter what we face.
May your heart be filled with thanksgiving, knowing that God’s love is steadfast and eternal.
Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for His steadfast love endures forever (1 Chronicles 16:34).
—Carey Jordan is principal at HMS Richards Adventist School. Photo supplied.
