As you finish off that pumpkin pie, let me give you something else to chew on. What if Thanksgiving were not a day on the calendar, but a way of life? Now, I’m not talking about the elevated calorie count, but an attitude of gratitude. A mindset that has the power to transform not just a day, but our entire lives.

Writing in Psychology Today, Amy Morin outlines seven scientifically proven benefits of gratitude. Gratitude opens the door to more relationships. A simple thank you fosters trust and strengthens connections, opening opportunities for deeper and healthier relationships. Gratitude improves physical health. Grateful people report fewer aches and pains and generally feel healthier, according to a study in Personality and Individual Differences.

Gratitude isn’t just a nice idea, it’s actually life. Improving gratitude improves psychological health. Robert Emmons, a renowned gratitude researcher, confirms that practicing gratitude boosts happiness and reduces symptoms of depression, creating a more joyful and resilient mindset. Gratitude enhances empathy and reduces aggression. Research from the University of Kentucky reveals that grateful people are more likely to act kindly and show empathy, even toward those who are less considerate themselves.

Gratitude promotes better sleep, health, and well-being, according to the Journal of Applied Psychology. Spending 15 minutes writing about things you’re thankful for before bed can improve your sleep quality and duration — something we could probably all use. Gratitude boosts self-esteem. Toward that end, a study in the Journal of Applied Sports Psychology found that gratitude increases self-confidence by reducing envy and encouraging appreciation for the achievement of others.

Gratitude strengthens mental resilience. Research shows that gratitude helps reduce stress and equips people to better navigate trauma and adversity, making it a cornerstone for emotional strength.

These truths echo a deeper spiritual reality. Throughout the Bible, we’re reminded of the power of gratitude. In fact, Psalm 100 really captures this beautifully. “Make a joyful noise to the Lord all the earth. Serve the Lord with gladness. Come into his presence with singing. Know that the Lord, he is God. It is he who made us and not we ourselves. We are his people and the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise. Give thanks to him. Bless his name. For the Lord is good. His steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.”

From this Psalm, we can draw four key principles to live out gratitude on a daily basis. Proclaim him as Lord and sovereign over your life. Serve him with gladness, reflecting on his goodness and the fact that he takes care of you. Recognize him as creator, Savior, and shepherd. Remember, you’re a sheep in his pasture. And overflowing with thanksgiving, bless his holy name.

Gratitude is more than a fleeting feeling. It’s more than a simple day on the calendar. It’s a choice to see life through the lens of God’s grace. So as we reflect this Thanksgiving, let’s make gratitude a lifestyle that blesses both you and those around you. Happy Thanksgiving!

Republished from The Washington Stand.