Exercising Gratitude

Tami Urcia gives us an example of how to exercise gratitude, even in the small things of daily life. 

A Season of Thankfulness 

We are coming up on my favorite season of the year: OCTOBER! Wait a minute, October’s not a season … is it? For this Michigan gal, it certainly is! It is apple season and pumpkin season and trees in a whole array of colors season. It is “time to make sure all your kids have a winter coat and boots that fit them” season. It is a season of transition out of long summer days into long winter nights. And for me, it’s also a season of thankfulness. 

Each night as we say our evening prayers, my kids take turns voicing their petitions and then stating what they are grateful for. One day, as I went for my early morning walk, I decided to exercise that gratitude myself. I was amazed at what happened once I lifted my gaze from the sidewalk. I had a conversation with God, telling Him I was grateful for the azure canvas of the summer sky, for the splash of green on the abundance of trees, for the gentle breeze tickling my cheeks and the kiss of sunshine on my forehead. I could even be thankful for the little pebbles that got stuck in my sandals, reminding me that life is not perfect but that doesn’t mean it’s not blessed.

A Witness to the Divine 

But one the things I am most grateful for is that God has allowed me to be a witness of Him working in others’ lives. I have two nephews in seminary, a niece who just finished two years of ministering to the poor on the streets of Denver, and other nieces who are active in youth ministry. I also got to witness the many youth from my parish who volunteered for VBS this summer. They brought so much joy to the younger kids and it lifted their own spirits as well. My heart swells with joy and pride at seeing others know, love and serve our Lord. 

Over the past two years, my oldest son has been participating in youth group and service activities as well. We have been blessed to have a NET Discipleship Team with us during that time, and it has made a tremendous impact on him. He has begun watching Father Mike Schmitz and Bishop Barron videos and even binge watched all five seasons of The Chosen of his own accord. But even more surprisingly, he recently told us he had been feeling a call to the priesthood! 

Up until now, when we asked him what he wanted to do when he grew up, he gave us a typical teenage answer. “I want to be a YouTuber, and if that falls through, a lawyer.” Then, since our family has had its fair share of medical issues, he began considering becoming a doctor.

But one day, after he got grossed out by my husband and me smooching in the kitchen, I jokingly responded, “Well, you need to learn how to be affectionate somehow.”

And he responded, “Not if I’m going to be a priest!” My interior jaw dropped to the floor.

It’s Your Turn! Join Me in Exercising Gratitude!

As we embark on this October “season,” I invite you to reflect on what you are thankful for. Is it that your kids have coats to wear, that the trees cover you with their shade, or that you ate three meals today? As I tell my kiddos, something super special doesn’t have to happen for us to be thankful. It may just be that we have a heated house on a chilly day. May this exercise of gratitude bring you warmth of body and soul.

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Copyright 2026 Tami Urcia
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