THANKFUL—it’s plastered on throw pillows, inspirational signs, and Instagram posts. Gratitude is the adage of autumn, unescapable in stores and sermons alike.

Yet, autumn is a season that also serves as a vibrant symbol of death. Leaves change and wilt as our days darken. The vibrancy and activity that seem to swirl around us in the spring and summer times give way to a kind of stillness as the hibernation of winter looms. Fall provokes a juxtaposition of gratitude and grief. There are years when the spirit of gratitude can be intimidating or exhausting when hardship and loss compound to make refrains of thankfulness difficult to extol. Being hounded with the message to give thanks can make us numb to simple acts of gratitude in our messy and gritty lives.

In moments like these, scripture taken out of context can seem like platitudes—empty and far-fetched in our state of sorrow. Yet, many of the passages of scripture focused on gratitude were authored during seasons of trial. It is from prison that Paul wrote, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done” in Philippians 4:6. Even amongst his hardships, Paul encouraged gratitude.

David also frequently wrote about thanking God amidst difficulty in the Psalms. As King Saul threatened David’s life and amid grief and repentance in the wake of losing his child, David continued to write songs of gratitude for the presence of God in his life. In Psalm 139, David wrote “Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.” These words were penned, not in a season of frivolity and joy, but in a time of great sorrow for David and his family. Yet, he recognized the omnipresence of God and exclaimed, “How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered!” David recognized that our simple moments of gratitude for our Creator and the rest of creation are fractional compared to how often God thinks of us. Yet, even our seemingly small expressions of gratitude can be significant for our own joy.

For generations, the Bible and its authors saw the benefits of giving thanks even in the face of their greatest struggles. In recent years, science has confirmed the rewards of gratitude with studies on its impact on our social, neurological, and emotional health. When we practice gratitude, it changes our brain chemistry. Through practicing a consistent method of thanksgiving daily, the brain rewrites itself over time and begins to release different chemicals. It becomes a habit which, in turn, multiplies the ability to be grateful. Physically, thankful people often experience less anxiety, sleep better, and are less prone to getting sick. Socially, gratitude practiced in community heightens our sense of belonging. Gratitude impacts us holistically as humans.

Within the seasons when every moment feels full of grit—uncomfortable, challenging, muddy, or even sorrowful—it can be hard to begin the practice of gratitude. Even still, the beautiful aspect of thanksgiving is that it can be small; it is better expressed in consistent habits than in grand gestures. There are infinite ways to build habits of gratitude in this season. It can be as simple as acknowledging what brings a smile or laughter into our days. Or, it may come through paper and pen by daily journaling gratitudes or writing thank you letters to friends. Others may find solace in reading through the Psalms and echoing David’s gratitude.

Whatever the type of gratitude, be it solitary or in community, let us be reminded to offer thanks with ease and frequency to God and the people surrounding us as the word “thankful” begins to permeate the season once again. For with gratitude comes joy, even if slowly. And especially in the season of thanksgiving, gratitude in the grit of our lives can be a powerful testament to the presence of God in our stories.

THANKFUL—it’s plastered on throw pillows, inspirational signs, and Instagram posts. Gratitude is the adage of autumn, unescapable in stores and sermons alike.

Yet, autumn is a season that also serves as a vibrant symbol of death. Leaves change and wilt as our days darken. The vibrancy and activity that seem to swirl around us in the spring and summer times give way to a kind of stillness as the hibernation of winter looms. Fall provokes a juxtaposition of gratitude and grief. There are years when the spirit of gratitude can be intimidating or exhausting when hardship and loss compound to make refrains of thankfulness difficult to extol. Being hounded with the message to give thanks can make us numb to simple acts of gratitude in our messy and gritty lives.

In moments like these, scripture taken out of context can seem like platitudes—empty and far-fetched in our state of sorrow. Yet, many of the passages of scripture focused on gratitude were authored during seasons of trial. It is from prison that Paul wrote, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done” in Philippians 4:6. Even amongst his hardships, Paul encouraged gratitude.

David also frequently wrote about thanking God amidst difficulty in the Psalms. As King Saul threatened David’s life and amid grief and repentance in the wake of losing his child, David continued to write songs of gratitude for the presence of God in his life. In Psalm 139, David wrote “Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.” These words were penned, not in a season of frivolity and joy, but in a time of great sorrow for David and his family. Yet, he recognized the omnipresence of God and exclaimed, “How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered!” David recognized that our simple moments of gratitude for our Creator and the rest of creation are fractional compared to how often God thinks of us. Yet, even our seemingly small expressions of gratitude can be significant for our own joy.

For generations, the Bible and its authors saw the benefits of giving thanks even in the face of their greatest struggles. In recent years, science has confirmed the rewards of gratitude with studies on its impact on our social, neurological, and emotional health. When we practice gratitude, it changes our brain chemistry. Through practicing a consistent method of thanksgiving daily, the brain rewrites itself over time and begins to release different chemicals. It becomes a habit which, in turn, multiplies the ability to be grateful. Physically, thankful people often experience less anxiety, sleep better, and are less prone to getting sick. Socially, gratitude practiced in community heightens our sense of belonging. Gratitude impacts us holistically as humans.

Within the seasons when every moment feels full of grit—uncomfortable, challenging, muddy, or even sorrowful—it can be hard to begin the practice of gratitude. Even still, the beautiful aspect of thanksgiving is that it can be small; it is better expressed in consistent habits than in grand gestures. There are infinite ways to build habits of gratitude in this season. It can be as simple as acknowledging what brings a smile or laughter into our days. Or, it may come through paper and pen by daily journaling gratitudes or writing thank you letters to friends. Others may find solace in reading through the Psalms and echoing David’s gratitude.

Whatever the type of gratitude, be it solitary or in community, let us be reminded to offer thanks with ease and frequency to God and the people surrounding us as the word “thankful” begins to permeate the season once again. For with gratitude comes joy, even if slowly. And especially in the season of thanksgiving, gratitude in the grit of our lives can be a powerful testament to the presence of God in our stories.