What’s So Great About Gratitude?

Have you ever considered gratitude to be a weapon? Honestly, I didn’t either — until I walked through a season of life filled with deep anxiety. After 2 years of gripping fear and uncertainty, I found myself praying desperately and saying: “God… just make it go away.” What I didn’t expect was the gentle response I felt Him give me: gratitude. In that moment, it didn’t fully make sense — but I was willing to try anything.

When I felt anxiety creeping in, I started searching for *anything* to be grateful for. I admit — in darker moments it was hard to find things. So I started small…
“Thank you for the blue sky.”
“Thank you for the sunshine peeking through the clouds.”
“Thank you for the sound of birds singing.”

Before I knew it, the list started growing. And something powerful began to happen.

Gratitude: The Antidote to Anxiety

Here’s what I didn’t know at the time — gratitude pulls us back into the *present moment.* Did you know research shows that we spend nearly **50% of our waking time** thinking about the *past* or the *future* — and rarely are those thoughts positive?

What’s even more fascinating is this:
**the part of the brain that activates anxiety cannot function at the same time as the part of the brain that experiences gratitude.**

It makes sense now… gratitude really is a weapon.

There’s a beautiful Old Testament story (2 Chronicles) where King Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah faced an impossible army. Instead of sending their strongest warriors into battle, they sent the *choir* first — with this cry:

**“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.”**
The battle was won without a single sword.

When I didn’t know what else to say — I repeated those words, again and again, until the fear began to fade.

Gratitude in Engagement

The engagement season is full of excitement — but let’s be honest… it can also bring stress, disagreements, and misunderstandings. Without intention, it’s easy to drift from teammates to opponents.

That’s why simple **“gratitude dates”** can make all the difference. Spending just a few minutes each week to celebrate small milestones or to speak a quiet word of thanks helps couples stay *connected,* *present,* and focused on the joy of their journey.

Here at Overlook 55, we practice this often — pausing to take in the view, watching newborn calves run across the pasture… little moments that could easily go unnoticed (and what a shame that would be!).

Gratitude During Wedding Planning

Wedding planning can feel like a whirlwind — budgets, appointments, endless research, and Pinterest boards that never seem to end. Comparison can sneak in quietly and steal your joy before you even realize it.

Gratitude is a powerful way to anchor your heart and return to the *real goal:*
**to marry the love of your life, surrounded by the people you love most.**

So be intentional. Recognize the people helping you along the way — family, friends, vendors. Celebrate the small wins. When the stress feels too heavy, pause… take one deep breath… and remember what truly matters.

Gratitude on Wedding Day

Your wedding day will be unforgettable — but *what* you remember depends on what you slow down to notice.

Throughout your entire day, from waking up to bedtime… take tiny moments to be thankful. Notice your bouquet. The laughter in the dressing room. Your mother — glowing in her new dress. Your father’s proud smile.

Listen to the music before you walk down the aisle. Look at the faces of those who gathered just for *you.* Watch your fiancé’s expression as you approach.
**These are priceless — don’t let them pass you by.**

Gratitude in Marriage

Here’s the big one — marriage. How many could have been saved with more intentional gratitude? It’s difficult to remain bitter when you practice thankfulness.

True gratitude shifts our focus toward the good — and when it’s spoken out loud, it’s often reciprocated. It can open communication, soften hearts, and even help us recognize when our spouse is quietly carrying a heavier load than usual.

Sometimes, all it takes is five seconds:

“I appreciate all the things you did this week.”
“Thank you for working hard today.”

Five seconds. A lifetime of impact.

As Thanksgiving approaches, let it be more than a holiday — let it be a *starting point.* Don’t reserve gratitude for once a year. Let it become daily. Habitual. Natural. A weapon against anxiety, fear, bitterness, and anything else that tries to steal the gift of life.

Again I ask… **What’s so great about gratitude?**
**EVERYTHING.**