You know how most days go—you wake up already thinking about everything that needs to get done. The list is long, the hours are short, and somehow you’re supposed to fit it all in. You’re trying to keep up, stay focused, and hold it together.

That was me last week. I sat down in my little home studio, trying to get ahead on work before the day really took off. I had my show notes written out on paper (because yes, I still like doing it the old-fashioned way), my coffee mug beside me, and right next to it—a few little wildflowers my son had picked that morning.

And suddenly, I realized I was surrounded by answered prayers.

That mug that said wife—a reminder of years of praying for someone to share life with.
Those flowers—a sign of the child I had prayed for.
Those show notes—evidence of a job I once dreamed about, one that lets me do something that matters.

Right there in the middle of the mess and the stress, God gave me a glimpse of His faithfulness.

Because the truth is, sometimes the very things that overwhelm us are the same things we once prayed for.
The busy job you’re juggling? You prayed for provision.
The noisy house full of kids? You prayed for a family.
The relationship that takes effort? You prayed for a partner.

It’s easy to get lost in the chaos and forget—we’re living inside the blessings we once begged for.

Here are 3 things to help gratitude rise to the surface in the midst of chaos:

1. Remember What You Once Prayed For.

Take a moment to think back on what you have asked God for in the past. I kept lots of journals when I was younger where I wrote my prayers. It has been YEARS since I looked at any them. Tonight, I am going to dig them out and dust them off to simply remember. What are you living in now that used to only exist in your prayers? Gratitude grows when you pause to remember how far God has brought you.

2. See the Good in the “Too Much.”

Sometimes what feels like too much is actually more than enough. The full schedule, the noise, the responsibility—it can all be evidence of God’s provision, not just pressure. It's only too much if I try to handle it myself. When I open my hands and remember it's not all up to me, then I can be thankful that God is enough for me.

3. Thank God in the Middle, Not Just at the End.

You don’t have to wait for life to slow down to be grateful. God meets us right in the middle of the busy, and when we stop to thank Him there, His presence can be our peace.

So today, pause for just a moment, look around at your life, (even the messy parts) and notice the small reminders of His goodness woven into your ordinary day.

And whisper a simple thank-you.

Because gratitude doesn’t change your schedule… but it can completely change your heart.

Psalm 103:1-4:

"Praise the LORD, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the LORD, my soul, and forget not all his benefits— who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion".