Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay.com
The English words “gratitude” and “grace” share the same Latin root, gratus, which means “pleasant” or “thankful.” When we choose to live with gratitude, we align ourselves with grace – receiving it and passing it along to others. As I write in my book Wake Up to Wonder, that flow of grace opens our eyes to the everyday miracles God places in plain sight around us. In giving thanks, we learn to encounter wonder.
Recently, I digitized some old film prints of family photos. Each image I scanned was like a window into the past, sparking memories that stirred my heart. Every story behind a photo revealed God's grace at work in my life – often in the most ordinary but awe-inspiring ways.
One photo of my grandmother, Lena, caught my attention. Her radiant smile lit up the frame, as she held my childhood dog, Mittens, in her arms. Memories flooded back, reminding me of how Grandma had adopted Mittens after my parents divorced and my family moved to an apartment that didn’t allow pets. She welcomed Mittens into her home and, through that act of kindness, kept him a part of my life.
When I visited her, I experienced moments of wonder disguised as simple joys. Grandma and I liked to sing songs together, and Mittens howled along with us, making me laugh so much that I couldn’t continue singing. Sitting with Mittens on my lap in her sunroom, I listened to Grandma tell stories about her friends and neighbors. She had an extraordinary gift for connection, building bridges between people from all walks of life. A plaque at the railroad museum Grandma founded describes her perfectly: “A kind-hearted woman.”
But even more than her kindness, it was the grace that flowed through Grandma – both in big sacrifices and little moments – that revealed God's love to me. While we occasionally prayed together, it was the wonder I experienced simply by being with her that truly helped me feel God's presence.
Grandma’s life was not without challenges. She became a young widow with two children and had to work hard as a single mom running the general store and post office she had started with her husband. Over her long life – from 1902 to 2001 – she witnessed astonishing changes in the world. And yet, every day, Grandma found reasons to be grateful. In the joy she found even during hard times, I saw how her gratitude led her to discover wonder. That wonder overflowed into my life, and it shaped how I experience the world today.
Inspired by Grandma Lena’s example, I start each day with a prayer of gratitude. The moment I wake up, I take a deep breath and whisper: “Thank you, God, for the gift of this day.” It’s a simple practice, but it changes how I see the day ahead. With that first breath of gratitude, I align my heart with wonder. I enter the day open to experiencing God’s blessings – both big and small.
Well-being research confirms that people who regularly practice gratitude experience more joy and optimism, which naturally leads to more moments of awe. Gratitude and wonder are intertwined; one feeds the other, helping us notice God’s presence even in life’s most challenging seasons. As we become more aware of God’s gifts, our hearts expand in gratitude – and that gratitude invites even more wonder into our lives.
No matter what our current circumstances are, we can always find something to be grateful for. Here are 5 ways to practice giving thanks in ways that can lead to experiencing wonder:
Reach out to someone who has impacted your life: Who has been a “Grandma” figure to you? Is there someone whose kindness, wisdom, or love made a lasting difference in your life? Pick up the phone or send a heartfelt message thanking them. Gratitude shared through conversation has the power to spark wonder in both the giver and the receiver. Your words might remind that person of the ripple effect of their kindness, and in turn, you may discover just how profoundly their impact has shaped you. Instead of just a conversation, plan a surprise act of kindness for that person. Deliver flowers, write a handwritten letter, or invite them for coffee. Simple gestures have the potential to rekindle shared moments of awe.
Keep a gratitude journal with a twist: Writing down things you're thankful for is a classic way to cultivate gratitude. But to experience even deeper wonder, try adding a reflective element to your journal. As you list what you’re grateful for, pause and ask yourself: What makes this gift possible? What is the deeper blessing hiding beneath this moment? For example, instead of simply writing, “I’m grateful for my morning coffee,” you might reflect: “I’m grateful for the farmer who grew the beans, the barista who brewed it, and the friends I shared it with.” This habit shifts your perspective and helps you see how interconnected our blessings are. You can also revisit old journal entries from time to time. Seeing how God has answered past prayers or brought you through hard seasons can inspire fresh wonder and gratitude.
Praise God with your whole heart: Psalm 22:3 tells us that God “inhabits the praises of his people.” When we praise God, we invite God to draw closer to us – and in God's presence, we find awe. You don’t need to reserve praise for big, dramatic moments. Praise God in the quiet, ordinary ones too. Practice the habit of noticing: As you go through your day, look for reasons to praise God – a sunrise, a kind word, the taste of good food, or a moment of peace. Speak your praise aloud: “God, thank you for the wonder of this moment.” Simple moments of praise are invitations for God to reveal more wonder to you. Another way to praise is to create a personal playlist of worship songs that inspire awe. Play it during your morning routine or during a walk outside, and let the music draw you into praise.
Serve others with a grateful heart: One of the most profound ways to experience wonder is by helping others. Acts of service shift our focus outward, opening our eyes to the beauty in giving and receiving. Service allows us to encounter God’s grace in action. When we serve with gratitude, we often notice things we’d otherwise overlook – the warmth of a smile, the courage of those facing difficult circumstances, or the joy of seeing someone’s burden lifted. Serving others creates moments of awe by revealing how God works through people to touch lives. Before and after serving, take a moment to pray with gratitude. Ask God to show you his presence in the experience and thank him for the opportunity. Reflect on how the act of giving affected you. Did it stir awe? How did it change your perspective? Try performing an intentional act of kindness every week – such as writing a note of encouragement to someone you know or helping a stranger. These small gestures of grace can fill both your heart and theirs with wonder.
Experience creation with gratitude: Enjoying nature is one of the most powerful ways to experience wonder. Creation can help you learn more about our Creator in any natural setting. So, take time to immerse yourself in creation – whether that’s through a walk in a park, gardening, stargazing, or sitting quietly by the ocean. As you spend time in nature, offer prayers of gratitude. Thank God for the awe-inspiring beauty you experience through your senses – such as the colors of fall leaves, the songs of birds, the fragrance of a flower, or the warmth of sunshine on your skin. Allow yourself to marvel at the intricate design in everything around you. The practice of slowing down and paying attention with all your senses can awaken deep awe in you.
Gratitude opens the door to grace, and grace makes room for wonder. When we live with grateful hearts, we become more aware of the miracles around us – even in life’s smallest moments. In ordinary moments, we can perceive the extraordinary work of God around us.
Challenge yourself to find at least one blessing to be thankful for every day -- and let your gratitude lead you to wonder. As wonder fills your heart, may it inspire you to share grace with others – just as Grandma Lena did for me.
Each day is a gift. How will you unwrap it with gratitude, grace, and wonder?
Learn more about experiencing God’s wonder in Wake Up to Wonder (order the paperback or the e-book) and Wonder Through the Year: A Daily Devotional for Every Year (order the paperback or the e-book).