By Guest Contributor, Sara Shay

It’s that time of year when the “I’m thankful for” status’ pour out. Maybe things are going well and you are overflowing with gratefulness and cannot say enough. Or perhaps you are finding difficulty in being joyful and content where God has you.

I met a sweet friend on Instagram – barely knowing me, she knew of a need and sent us some clothes for our boy, just younger than her son. I knew she didn’t have much herself and it was a sacrifice. That was about 2 years ago and we know each other a bit more now.

I know things are extremely difficult for her still, but I see her. I see her grateful for being safe after a blown out tire, instead of complaining of the inconvenience and cost of it. Being glad of what she can make of the time lugging her family’s wash to the Laundromat, instead of annoyed with all the effort that it takes.

And this isn’t just in November, I have see an astonishing heart of gratitude year round. I convicts me, it cuts and it challenges me and calls me to be grateful for those things that the “bad times” can reveal.

If you’ve been felt silently called out, hopefully some of the ladies below will help soften and touch your heart to find God’s hand in all. His goodness even in the trials.

13 Posts to help you Give Thanks

Give Thanks {No Matter What} – from There is Grace

The Life-Changing Practice of Intentional Gratitude – from Serving Joyfully

Remembering to Give Thanks {Plus Free Printable Verse Cards} – from Joyful Thrifty Home

Five Ways to Cultivate Gratitude – from Joyful Thrifty Home

How to Cultivate a Heart of Gratitude During the Holidays – from Joyful Thrifty Home

Filled with Thanks – from Your Thriving Family

The Importance of Giving Thanks – from Accidentally Green

Cultivating Gratitude for Your Spouse – from A Biblical Marriage

Choosing Gratitude in a World of Unthankfulness – from Smithspirations

The Unthankful Thankful List – from Smartter Each Day

The Discipline of Gratitude: a Book Review & Thoughts from One Thousand Gifts – from Young Wife’s Guide

the practice of {speaking joy} – from Domestic Serenity

Laughing Together: Choosing to be joyful & thankful in marriage – from Young Wife’s Guide