Thankfulness is one of the most simple and yet most powerful values we can cultivate in our homes. It softens our hearts, draws us closer to God, and helps us see His hand in both ordinary and extraordinary moments. When we choose to practice gratitude, we open the door to peace, joy, and a deeper sense of purpose. The scriptures invite us again and again to be thankful, because God knows the blessings that gratitude brings into our lives.
One of the most beautiful reminders of this is found in Psalm 107:1.
“O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.”
With these words, we are encouraged to pause and remember that God is faithful in every season. His goodness does not shift with circumstances, and His mercy is always extended toward us. When we choose to be thankful, we are choosing to recognize God’s presence in our lives. Gratitude becomes a way of worship, a way of remembering, and a way of staying connected to the Lord.
Thankfulness also affects the way we treat one another. It softens our interactions and helps us appreciate the people around us. A home filled with gratitude becomes a home filled with kindness, patience, and love. As families take time to notice their blessings, conversations deepen and relationships grow stronger. It becomes easier to let go of frustration and harder to take things for granted.
Yet gratitude is not always easy. Life brings struggles, unexpected changes, and moments of deep heartache. During these times, choosing thankfulness may feel difficult. But it is often in these exact seasons that gratitude becomes a powerful anchor. Thankfulness does not mean pretending everything is perfect. Instead, it means trusting that God is good even when life is challenging, and looking for glimpses of His mercy as we move forward.
This month, as we focus on the value of Thankfulness, we invite families to use stories and films as a way to begin meaningful conversations at home. Stories have a unique way of helping us see truths that we sometimes overlook. They slow us down, help us reflect, and allow us to connect emotions with lessons that can stay in our hearts for a long time. The Living Scriptures+ library includes many titles that beautifully highlight the theme of gratitude. Here are four favorites that can help your family explore the blessing of a thankful heart.
Christmas Oranges
Christmas Oranges is a sweet and heartfelt story that teaches gratitude in a gentle and memorable way. It follows the life of Rose, a young girl who grows up in an orphanage where simple pleasures are cherished and kindness is treasured. After she is suddenly moved to a new orphanage with strict rules and limited joy, Rose learns to appreciate even the smallest blessings.
One of the central lessons in this film is the value of simple gifts. When Rose receives a single orange for Christmas, her thankfulness reminds us that gratitude is not about the size of the gift but about the love behind it. The story encourages families to look for joy in the small things and to remember that some of life’s sweetest blessings come in simple, unexpected ways.
Family Discussion Questions
- What simple blessings in your life are easy to overlook but worth being thankful for?
- How did Rose’s gratitude help her stay hopeful, even when life was hard?
- What is one small act of kindness you can give someone this week?
Love, Kennedy
Love, Kennedy is based on the true story of a young woman whose faith, kindness, and gratitude touched the lives of many. Although Kennedy faces significant health challenges, her spirit remains full of hope and thankfulness. Her ability to uplift and love others, even in difficult circumstances, is a powerful example of what it means to see God’s goodness no matter what life brings.
The film highlights gratitude as a force that strengthens families and communities. Kennedy’s journey inspires viewers to appreciate the time they have with loved ones, to hold tight to faith, and to find reasons to be thankful even when facing trials. This movie opens the door to meaningful conversations about how to find blessings in the middle of hardship and how gratitude can change the way we view the world.
Family Discussion Questions
- How did Kennedy’s thankful and positive attitude influence the people around her?
- What are some blessings in your life that you sometimes forget to appreciate?
- How can we show gratitude for the people we love while they are with us?
A Marriage Made in Heaven
This touching film follows the story of a couple who face life’s challenges with love, patience, and a grateful perspective. A Marriage Made in Heaven celebrates the power of appreciating one another and recognizing the gift of companionship. The movie reminds us that gratitude plays an important role in relationships. It helps couples focus on what truly matters and encourages families to support one another with kindness and understanding.
The film beautifully illustrates that a thankful heart can strengthen marriages, uplift homes, and create a loving environment where family members feel valued and cherished. It is a wonderful reminder that gratitude is not only directed toward God but also toward the people He places in our lives.
Family Discussion Questions
- How did gratitude strengthen the couple’s relationship in this story?
- What are some things you appreciate about your own family members?
- How can saying “thank you” more often help make our home more peaceful?
The Animated Old Testament: Joseph's Reunion
The Animated Old Testament: Joseph’s Reunion shows the power of gratitude, forgiveness, and God’s guiding hand. After years of separation and hardship, Joseph stands before the brothers who once betrayed him. Instead of choosing anger, Joseph recognizes that God had been working through every trial to bring about good. His thankful heart helps him look past the hurt and see the blessings that resulted from God’s plan. The emotional reunion with his family is a powerful reminder that gratitude can heal wounds, restore relationships, and help us recognize God’s goodness, even in difficult chapters of life.
Family Discussion Questions
- How did Joseph’s thankful heart help him forgive his brothers?
- What blessings came from Joseph trusting God in every part of his journey?
- Can you think of a time when something hard later turned into a blessing?
Choosing Gratitude Every Day
As you explore these stories together, consider setting aside a few moments each day to talk about the blessings in your life. It may be something small, like a warm meal or a kind word, or something larger, like an answer to prayer or a moment of peace. Learning to notice these blessings helps gratitude become a natural part of daily living.
Thankfulness has the power to lift our hearts, strengthen our faith, and bring families closer together. It helps us remember that God is good, that His mercy endures forever, and that He is always near. As this month unfolds, may gratitude fill your home with warmth and joy, and may the words of Psalm 107:1 stay with you as a reminder of God’s everlasting goodness.
MORE ON LIVING SCRIPTURES+
Watch These Stories and More
If your family is ready to bring the value of Thankfulness to life, we invite you to watch these featured movies and many more uplifting titles on Living Scriptures+. Each story can spark meaningful conversations, strengthen faith, and help your family discover the blessings that come from a grateful heart. Start watching together today and let these powerful messages inspire Thankfulness all month long.
