Gratitude Is Noticing God

"Every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change."

Most of life's essential work happens beneath the surface, unseen but absolutely vital—like the vast underground networks that connect trees, sharing nutrients and information across entire forests. Gratitude is learning to notice this hidden web of grace that sustains everything. When we practice gratitude, we're not just counting blessings; we're participating in recognizing God's active presence all around us. The Greek word for gratitude, eukharistia, shares the same root as grace—kharis—God's unmerited favor at work in our world.

When we choose a perspective of gratitude, we're literally noticing God at work through infinite vessels in countless ways. Even in hard seasons, even when the surface looks barren, there's an underground network of grace sustaining life, connecting us all, inviting us to dig a little deeper and see the abundance that surrounds us. This isn't about denying problems but recognizing that even now, grace is present, love is active, and God's transforming work continues in ways we might miss if we're not paying attention.