By Louise R. Shaw

               This is a good time to think about all the things we are thankful for.

               It’s a distraction from thinking about all the things we are sad about.

               Sad comes too easy these days. As does mad. And disappointed.

               Too many distressing things are bringing too many upsetting feelings way, way too often right now. Sometimes all day long.

               But while there has been chaos happening around us – from airports to grocery stores to the East Wing of the White House – there are still things to be grateful for.

               Like fall colors.

               And grandchildren.

               And being healthy. Or having medicine when we’re not.

               And having friends.

               And having faith.

               And having fun.

               Often it takes distraction. Often it takes perspective.

We can find them both if we look.

There are things big and things small to be grateful for.

               An Instagram blurb I stumbled onto reminded me that a hot shower is something to be grateful for. Something only a few of the billions who have lived on our earth have experienced.

               A small thing. But a big thing.

               A sunset is a small thing. It happens every day. But some days, the sky is painted unbelievably bright colors across not only the horizon, but in its entirety. It is a big thing.

               A meaningful visit with a friend.

               A meal with family.

               Small things can make a big difference.

               Returning safely from a trip abroad.

               Being able to take hundreds of photos without it costing anything.

               Knowing there is food in the grocery store and gas at the gas station.

               Ready-made meals.

               Clothes that are cheaper to buy than to make.

               Electricity.

               Judges.

               Holidays that kick in right as the weather turns bad.

               Being past the separations of COVID.

               It was, in fact, during our COVID years that we learned how gratitude can address our distresses.

               You remember the upheaval of the pandemic.

               I remember the day President Russell M. Nelson, of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, counseled us to be grateful.

              We had been so busy thinking the world was coming to an end and he told us to look for the good around us and express our gratitude for it. Every day. For a week.

              And all of the sudden, we noticed that we could still get food at the grocery store. And we noticed the medical care we could receive, the people working toward vaccines, the warm homes we lived in and the chances to study and learn and relax there, where we were safe and warm and with family. We noticed our families.

              Those words worked then and they can work now.

              We can notice the little things, which are really big things. And we can be grateful.

              And then happy is sure to follow.

First shared November 2025 in the Davis Journal, Utah