Grateful Living: Finding God in All Things

Gratitude is a beautiful way to live.

I have noticed that people who live with gratitude are often the happiest. When I am around someone who has that gift, I always think, “I want that too.” People who practice gratitude are able to find God in all things.

I had the wonderful opportunity to work at a Jesuit high school for 12 years. It was there that I learned about the Ignatian practice of finding God in all things. It is the cornerstone of Jesuit spirituality, and it has become the foundation of the spirituality I try to live each day.

When you begin to see the world through this lens—looking for God in all things—your perspective shifts. You begin to feel more thankful, more aware, and more connected to the life unfolding around you.

But how do we remember to “put on those glasses”?

We begin by noticing the details—especially the small ones. Over time, you will start to recognize God actively present in your life. For me, it can be something simple, like missing someone and then hearing a song on the radio that reminds me of them.

God dwells in all things, and we are called to respect and have gratitude for all of creation. This is where trust becomes important. God’s creations can be complex, beautiful, confusing, and even frightening. We may not always feel gratitude right away—but we are invited to trust.

I remember when my son’s dorm was struck by lightning in the middle of the night. All of the students made it out safely, but they lost everything. In the midst of that loss, there was so much gratitude—gratitude for lives saved, and for the overwhelming love from the community, who came together to support them in incredible ways. Even in something difficult, we were able to find God’s presence.

God is not confined to a church building. While Mass is essential—where we receive the Holy Eucharist—God also lives in our daily lives, in our relationships, and in one another. We are His hands, His feet, His voice, and His heart in the world.

Practices like the Daily Examen, journaling, and simply being present can help us stay open to seeing God in all areas of our lives.

This week, try putting on those “glasses.”

Look for God in the unexpected.

Write down what you notice.

You may be surprised at just how active He is in your life.