How Many Things Did You Notice on Your Way to Work Today?
Were they things that truly stood out, or have they always been there, quietly waiting for you to see them?
The other day, on my way to work, my car was completely silent. No audiobook, no music, no audio Bible—just me and the road. That doesn’t happen often. Usually, I have something playing in the background, filling the space. But this time, I didn’t bother turning anything on.
And that’s when I started noticing everything.
Signs I Had Never Really Seen Before
- A bus stop bench that read: Your ride home is guaranteed
- A bold red STOP sign
- A Lost Cat flyer taped to a pole
- Left must turn left and Right must turn right road signs
- A store called Speedy Market
- A building labeled Real Life Cooperative
- A sign that simply said Pilgrim
Apart from the lost cat flyer, I’m pretty sure all of these signs have been there every single day. I just never took the time to see them.
Why Did I Notice Them Now?
Was it because the car was silent?
Did my brain need something to latch onto?
Was something nudging me to be more aware?
Or—did they hold a deeper meaning?
Maybe all of the above.
At first, I thought it was just one of those random moments. I even considered making a lighthearted Instagram post: Bet you didn’t see this on your way to work today! But the more I thought about it, the more I realized this was about something bigger—how to notice gratitude in the small things.
Why Aren’t We Grateful All the Time?
Are there things to be grateful for that we simply don’t allow ourselves to see?
That morning, I wasn’t exactly in the best mood. But because I’ve been writing about gratitude daily, it was already on my mind. So, as I drove, I started thanking God for all I get to do.
Jon Gordon, in his book The Energy Bus, talks about shifting your mindset from “have to” to “get to.” It’s a game-changer:
- You don’t have to cook dinner because your family needs to eat. You get to cook dinner as a way to love and care for them.
- You don’t have to say “I love you” because it’s expected. You get to say it because you have someone to love and they are here to hear it.
- You don’t have to go to work. You get to have a job that provides for your needs.
This mindset shift increases motivation, improves attitude, and enhances leadership. And the best part? It cultivates gratitude.
The Little Things We Take for Granted
That’s how gratitude works.
I get to have an appetite to eat.
I get to look up a recipe and tweak it.
I get to drive a car to work.
I get to earn money that allows me to create a life I love.
I get to flip a switch and have electricity.
I know you get the point , but let me add a few more –
I get to turn on the tap and clean water flows out.
I get to say “I love you” to my kids.
I get to have a husband who dreams with me and reflects back who I am.
I get to know that no matter what, I am never alone—because I have a perfect God who loves me in my imperfection.
See, just like those road signs, these blessings are always there. But when they become familiar, we stop noticing them. Sometimes, it takes adversity, a moment of lack, or seeing someone else long for what we take for granted to make us truly see.
Gratitude and Stress Can’t Exist Together
It’s hard to be grateful and stressed at the same time.
That’s why Philippians 4:6-8 reminds us:
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
When we intentionally focus on what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable, gratitude grows—and stress shrinks.
What Will You Notice Today?
I don’t know what’s ahead of you today. But I hope you notice something that sparks gratitude.
And if you’re struggling to find it, borrow gratitude from someone else. Just like I tell my friend, “You can talk to a camel and have a full conversation. That’s a gift! I thank God you have it.” I see it in her, I appreciate it for her, and I want to cultivate that same joy in myself.
So today, let’s be grateful for the little things.
📖 Want to make gratitude a daily habit? Grab my 1-2-3 Daily Gratitude Journal and start capturing those true, right, and praiseworthy moments every day.
And if this spoke to you, share it with a friend. Let’s remind each other to notice gratitude in the small things.
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