Hey, mama. I know how easy it is to get caught up in the chaos of motherhood—the endless to-do lists, the meltdowns, the exhaustion that makes you feel like you’re barely keeping it together. I’ve been there, feeling like I was drowning in overwhelm. But one simple practice has changed my mindset and brought me peace, even on the hardest days. Today, I want to share how gratitude—rooted in my faith—has helped me find light in the darkness, and how it can help you too.
How Gratitude Changed My Mindset
A few years ago, I was in a dark place. Challenges were piling up on top of each other — parenting a special needs child, trying to manage my fibromyalgia symptoms, dealing with a father-in-law affected by dementia, struggling with financial problems, and juggling my roles as a wife, woman, and executive assistant — and I just didn’t know how to cope with everything life threw at me. I was so focused on what was going wrong that I couldn’t see the good around me. But when I found God, everything changed naturally. He became my anchor in the midst of all the chaos, and one of the first habits I built, without consciously thinking about it, was gratitude.
I was SO thankful that I had found Him that, every day, I started thanking the Lord for all He was doing for me cause I was suddenly realizing that all the blessings coming my way were directly from Him. At first, it was obvious stuff — “Thank You, Lord, for giving me the strength to get through this hard day. Thank You for the raise my husband got at his job. Thank You for helping us to find a way to pay X.” Over time, this daily practice of thanking God opened my eyes to the blessings I’d been missing, especially the small ones that I had been taking for granted — the way my child smiled at me, the good meal I had eaten, the 5 minutes I was able to take to pet my cat. It didn’t erase my challenges, but it changed my mindset and I started seeing His light in every moment, even the hard ones.
Gratitude became my way of connecting with God’s love. It reminded me of 1 Thessalonians 5:18—“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” Even on days when fibromyalgia left me in pain, or when my child’s needs felt overwhelming, I could find something to thank the Lord for. That shift in focus—from what was going wrong to what was going right—brought me a peace I didn’t think was possible.
As I kept thanking the Lord, I noticed I was less anxious about the future. I started to trust that He was working things out, even when I couldn’t see how. For example, when we were struggling financially, I’d thank Him for the small ways He provided—like a family member dropping off a meal, or a bill that got delayed just when we needed it. Gratitude helped me see that God was in the details, and that gave me hope to keep going.
How to Start a Gratitude Practice
I know you’re busy, mama, so I want to share a few simple ways to bring gratitude into your day:
• Start Your Day with Thanks: Before you even get out of bed, take a moment to thank God for three things. It could be as simple as, “Thank you, Lord, for a new day. Thank you for my child’s laughter. Thank you for the strength I know you’ll give me.” This habit will put you in a good mood as soon as you open your eyes, and will set you on the right path for the day ahead, making everything feel a little easier.
• Pray Through Gratitude: When you’re feeling overwhelmed, pause and pray a quick gratitude prayer. Say something like, “Lord, thank You for being with me right now. Thank you for the roof over my head, the food on my table, and the love in my family.” It’s a quick way to recenter your heart on Him.
• Keep a Gratitude Journal: If you enjoy putting pen to paper, or if you are more of a visual person, keep a small notebook by your bed. At night, write down three things you’re thankful for from the day. Some days it will be big things—like a good doctor’s appointment—but most days it will be small: a kind word from a friend, a moment of quiet, or the way the sun felt on your face. It doesn’t matter, writing it down will help you see God’s hand in your life.
• Share Gratitude with Your Kids: Ask your child, “What’s one thing you’re thankful for today?” It’s a sweet way to connect, and it teaches them to look for God’s blessings too. Even with my special needs child, we use pictograms to share what we’re grateful for—it’s become a precious ritual at the end of each day.
These small habits don’t take much time, but they’ve made a big difference in my life. Gratitude has helped me find peace amidst the chaos, by reminding me that God is always working for my good (Romans 8:28).
A Gratitude Prayer for You
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or stuck today, I want to share a simple gratitude prayer you can use. It’s short enough to fit into your busy day, and it’s a way to connect with God’s peace:
“Lord, thank You for your endless love. Thank you for the blessings I often overlook—the breath in my lungs, the love of my family, the strength You give me each day. Help me see Your light in every moment, and fill my heart with gratitude. Amen.”
I love pairing this with Psalm 107:1: “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.” Let this verse remind you that God’s goodness is always there, even when life feels heavy.
Let’s Shine Together
Mama, gratitude can be a lifeline when you’re feeling overwhelmed. It’s not about ignoring the hard stuff—it’s about choosing to focus on God’s light. I started Light for Moms to share strategies like this, to offer faith-filled encouragement, and to remind you that you’re not alone. I’d love to hear how gratitude has helped you—drop a comment below and let me know. Let’s thank the Lord together and shine His light all around us.