Give Thanks for Small Blessings

By nature, I am a dreamer. I envision big things, expect great outcomes, and eagerly anticipate the extraordinary. I’m often in awe of the God who worked through Elijah, David, Daniel, and Paul—ordinary people who witnessed undeniable miracles.

Yet this tendency can sometimes cause me to overlook what God is doing in the everyday moments. And when I miss His presence in those moments, it can lead to a lack of faith. That’s why, in His goodness, God as a loving Father had to teach me a lesson: He is not only the God of great wonders but also the God of everyday miracles and blessings.

I remember sharing this struggle with a friend during a mission trip to Bolivia. I told her how frustrated I was that God didn’t seem to be doing enough to change a challenging situation I faced. She gently encouraged me, saying, "Find Him in the little things." Then, she gave me a bracelet with the words "Watch for God." 

Not long after, La Paz experienced a severe drought. Water was rationed to just a few hours a day. Suddenly, simple tasks like taking a shower, washing dishes (which I already disliked), or rinsing a mop became monumental undertakings. It was in those moments that I realized how ungrateful I had been for something as basic as water. Perhaps it was the bracelet, which I wore for over two years before it found its place in a storage box, or perhaps it was the lesson itself, but I began to notice God’s presence in the smallest details.

I remember praying, “Lord, I’ve taken breathing for granted,” during my battle with COVID-19. “Lord, I’ve overlooked the gift of a friend who listens,” when I felt lonely. I thanked Him for the meals shared with loved ones, especially when I moved to Canada and longed for my family during birthdays and Christmases. I gave thanks for chocolate after being unable to eat sweets for months, for a cool breeze on an unbearably hot day in Mexico, and even for the warmth of a cup of cocoa on a winter afternoon. Each moment, a gift from a great God.

This Thanksgiving, I invite you to pause and reflect on the small blessings God gives us daily. The God of the gentle whisper shows His presence in fleeting smiles and quiet moments, even as we wait for the God of the earthquake, fire, and wind. How is He revealing Himself in your day-to-day life? Take my daily coffee, for example. It’s a simple joy I rely on, but who provided me with a job, the skills, and the grace to be here, to afford it? As James 1:17 reminds us: “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” God provided the water! During the drought, even having enough water to brew coffee felt like a miracle. God’s presence is woven into the smallest details, constantly reminding us He is near.

On a lighter note, the song "My Favorite Things" from The Sound of Music beautifully captures this idea. While it lists things that bring joy, I also see it as an invitation to recognize these as reminders of God’s goodness in those little things:

Girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes,
Snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes,
Silver white winters that melt into spring,
These are a few of my favorite things.

This Thanksgiving, I invited some members of the Ministry Support Services team here at the CRCNA to share their blessings found in the ordinary and the joy they find in the little things that reflect God’s constant presence. As I reflect on these blessings, I’m reminded of how grateful I am to be part of the MSS team. Each small effort from this group contributes to the incredible work happening across our denomination. The way the team pulls together, supporting each other through big tasks and small moments, is a powerful reminder of how God works in our lives, both in the ordinary and the extraordinary.

In the spirit of gratitude, I asked the team one simple question: In 1–5 words, what’s a little thing you’re thankful for in your everyday life? Each took a moment to celebrate the small blessings that point to the greatness of our God, and they want to share with us the little things they’re thankful for:

Karen Burton – Warm sweaters
Scott Sovereen – Wildlife outside our windows!
Sandy Woo – Plenty of sunshine throughout the day
Dean Heetderks – Humorous coworkers
Tim Postuma – Sun streaming through windows
Kevin Hoeksema – Surprise treats in the kitchen
Sarah Heth – People who follow instructions, also midday treats
Paul Faber – Interesting, meaningful work to do
Kim Keen – Cozy blanket and good book
Lyndee Zeigler – I personally feel like I experience a million little miracles every day…Morning light, starry nights, feeling known, hearing creation sing God’s praises, holding hands with my little girl and hubby, making plans, open spaces, fireplaces. The God who made the universe knows me by my name.
Daniel Jumaquio – My mornings with Leo (my son)

Trying to emulate that scene from The Sound of Music, and celebrating thankfulness, I created our very own MSS “My Favorite Things” song. Here’s how it would look:

Warm cozy sweaters and wildlife through windows,
plenty of sunshine brightening days as it flows
surprise treats that people will bring,
these are a few of my favorite things.

Humorous coworkers and mornings with Leo,
sun streaming softly through my window when frío*,
blankets and books by a firelight’s gleam,
meaningful work that inspires my esteem.

Morning light shining, and starry nights beaming,
feeling known deeply, as God’s love is streaming,
holding small hands with my girl and my love,
making new plans in wide spaces above.

Hearing creation God’s praises proclaim,
the Lord of the universe knows me by name!
Open warm fireplaces, with joy we renew,
and people who follow instructions well, too.

When the stress strikes, when the day stings,
when life feels a fight,
I think of these blessings, both big and small,
And great joy in me ignites.

What would be your own, or your family’s “Little Blessings Song”?

Happy Thanksgiving!

“And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 5:20).

*frío: cold