DAVILA: The Beauty of Being Present ... A Thanksgiving reflection

(Land O' Lakes/Unsplash)In a world filled with noise, uncertainty and fast-paced distractions, it is easy to overlook the simple blessings that surround us every day. We are invited to slow down, to be present and to help our families rediscover gratitude in the ordinary.

Amid the busyness of preparing meals, visiting relatives and managing schedules, God invites us to see Him — in the laughter at the dinner table, the warmth of shared conversation, and even in the quiet after everyone has gone home. Thanksgiving is not just about counting blessings; it’s about recognizing that every moment is a gift, and that the Giver of those gifts is near.

Here are a few ways to live this Thanksgiving season with greater presence and gratitude:
• Begin with Prayer: Before the day begins, take a few minutes to thank God for His goodness. Pray for your family, for those in need, and for the grace to recognize His presence throughout the day. Invite your family members to add their own intentions.

• Notice the Ordinary: Encourage your family to take a “gratitude walk” around the neighborhood, noticing the beauty of creation — birds singing, leaves falling, the cool air of autumn. These are daily reminders of God’s artistry and care.

• Share Stories of Gratitude: Around the table, invite everyone to share something they’re thankful for this year. Go beyond the usual answers and invite deeper reflection: “Where have you seen God at work in your life?” or “Who has been a sign of God’s love to you this year?”

• Serve Together: Gratitude deepens when it’s shared. Volunteer as a family at a parish food drive, prepare a meal for a neighbor in need, or write thank-you cards to those who serve your community (e.g., a teacher, your parish priest, a friend or a family member). Helping others reminds us that our blessings are meant to be shared.

• Practice Presence: Put aside phones and screens for part of the day. Encourage everyone to truly be there — listening, laughing and creating memories. Presence itself is a form of Thanksgiving; it says, “I see you, and I value this moment.”

• Create a Gratitude Jar: At the beginning of the year, have family members write down one thing they are grateful for each day on a slip of paper. On Thanksgiving Day, read them aloud as part of your mealtime sharing.

In a culture that often focuses on what’s missing, gratitude opens our eyes to what’s already here. It shifts our perspective from one of scarcity to one of abundance, from worry to trust. As we model this posture of thankfulness, we teach our children and grandchildren that faith is not just something we talk about—it’s something we live.

This Thanksgiving, let’s take time to remember that gratitude is at the heart of our faith. Every Mass we attend is an act of thanksgiving — the Eucharist itself means “to give thanks.” When we gather at our tables, we echo that sacred rhythm of the Church: giving thanks for the presence of Christ among us, and for the countless ways His love is revealed in our lives.

As you reflect this season, consider these questions: How can I be more aware of God’s presence in the ordinary moments of daily life? What is one way I can help my family grow in gratitude this Thanksgiving? For parents: What is one new tradition I can start this year to help my teen experience the deeper meaning of Thanksgiving?

When we live with thankful hearts, even the simplest things — sunsets, laughter, the sound of prayer — become reminders of God’s faithful love. This Thanksgiving, may we rediscover the beauty of being present, and in doing so, recognize that every moment, every breath, is a gift from God.

Amy Ann Davila is an associate director with the Office of Adolescent Catechesis and Evangelization.