I’ve found that the practice that has done the most to cultivate a heart of gratitude to God is not a mental list of things to be thankful for, but a physical posture that allows me to reach for God, right in the moment.

On this Thanksgiving week, there will likely be many messages meant to cheer you, saying “Yes, this year has been hard, but think of all you have to be thankful for!” Some of us will be able to receive that, but if those words just feel like a kick in the ribs in the middle of a hard season, take heart. In the midst of your sorrow, joy is not far from you.