Thanksgiving is a time of abundance—or at least that’s what we’ve been led to believe. Tables piled high with food, every dish more decadent than the last, and enough leftovers to last for days. But what if Thanksgiving isn’t about abundance in the way we think? What if it’s not about how much food is on the table but about the people sitting around it?

Elisabeth Elliot reminds us:

“It is always possible to be thankful for what is given rather than to complain about what is not given. One or the other becomes a habit of life.”

Gratitude isn’t about quantity—it’s about perspective. It’s not about how extravagant our celebration is but about appreciating what’s before us, no matter how simple.

People Over Platters

The truth is, no meal—no matter how delicious—can fill the deeper voids in our lives. Yet so many of us try. We overindulge, not just in food but in the pressure to impress, to create the “perfect” holiday, to meet some unrealistic standard. And in doing so, we can miss the real gift of Thanksgiving: the people gathered around us.

The apostle Paul writes in Philippians 1:3-4:

“I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy.”

Thanksgiving is the perfect time to embrace this mindset. It’s a chance to look around the table—whether it’s full of family, friends, or even just a few loved ones—and thank God for the gift of their presence. Relationships are the true abundance in our lives, far more valuable than any feast we could prepare.

Gratitude in Simplicity

In our culture, simplicity is often overlooked. We think more is better, bigger is best, and abundance is the goal. But a simple Thanksgiving can be just as meaningful—if not more so—when our hearts are focused on gratitude.

Jesus modeled this beautifully in John 6:11:

“Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish.”

Here’s the amazing part: He gave thanks for what was there—just a few loaves and fish—and it became enough. The same is true for us. A humble meal shared with loved ones, blessed with thanksgiving, can be more satisfying than the grandest feast.

Filling the Right Void

When we chase abundance to fill a deeper emptiness, we miss the point. Thanksgiving isn’t about filling our plates; it’s about filling our hearts. It’s about pausing to reflect on God’s provision, both in what we have and who we share it with.

Gratitude grows when we recognize the richness of the people in our lives. The laughter, the memories, the shared moments of joy and even struggle—these are the things that truly nourish us.

Proverbs 15:17 puts it perfectly:

“Better a small serving of vegetables with love than a fattened calf with hatred.”

It’s not the extravagance of the meal but the love at the table that makes Thanksgiving meaningful.

A Simpler, Fuller Thanksgiving

This year, let’s focus less on the abundance of food and more on the abundance of gratitude. Here are a few ways to do that:

1. Simplify the Menu. Choose a few meaningful dishes rather than an overwhelming spread. Let the simplicity remind you to appreciate what you have.
2. Celebrate Relationships. Take time during the meal to express what you’re thankful for about the people around the table. Gratitude shared is gratitude multiplied.
3. Create Space for Reflection. Before the meal, read a verse like Psalm 107:8-9:”Let them give thanks to the Lord for His unfailing love and His wonderful deeds for mankind, for He satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.”Reflect on how God has filled the deeper needs in your life.
4. Let Go of Perfection. If the turkey’s a little dry or the pie didn’t set quite right, let it go. Thanksgiving isn’t about perfection; it’s about presence.
5. Share with Others. If you’re able, invite someone who might otherwise spend the day alone. Gratitude grows when it’s shared.

A Heart of Thanks

Thanksgiving is a day, yes, but it’s also an attitude. A habit, as Elisabeth Elliot said. This year, let’s form the habit of focusing on what is rather than what’s missing. Let’s celebrate the gift of togetherness, the joy of simplicity, and the provision of a God who satisfies the deepest hunger in our souls.

Because in the end, Thanksgiving isn’t about the size of the meal—it’s about the size of our gratitude.