By Dr. Colleen Damon, Founder of We Get To Serve (WGTS)
Gratitude Changes Everything
Have you ever noticed how a moment of genuine thankfulness can shift your entire mood? When you stop to appreciate what God has already done, even in the middle of a storm, something happens inside you — the mind softens, the heart lifts, and peace takes its rightful place again.
That moment isn’t just spiritual; it’s scientific. Gratitude is one of the most powerful healing tools we possess. It renews the mind, restores perspective, and reconnects us with God’s presence in the everyday moments of life.
At We Get To Serve (WGTS), gratitude isn’t just a word we say before a meal — it’s a creative, faith-filled practice that transforms hearts and minds through intentional reflection and service.
The Science Behind Gratitude
Modern research continues to affirm what scripture has taught all along — that a thankful heart is a healthy heart.
According to Harvard Health Publishing, gratitude ‘helps people feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve their health, deal with adversity, and build strong relationships.’ In fact, studies show that expressing gratitude can physically change the brain.
• Boosts ‘feel-good’ chemicals — Gratitude activates the release of dopamine and serotonin.
• Reduces stress — Thankfulness lowers cortisol levels.
• Rewires neural pathways — Gratitude strengthens positive thought patterns through neuroplasticity.
• Improves sleep and resilience — Those who keep gratitude journals tend to sleep better and recover from challenges more easily.
Modern research continues to affirm what scripture has taught all along — that a thankful heart is a healthy heart.
According to Harvard Health Publishing, gratitude ‘helps people feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve their health, deal with adversity, and build strong relationships.’ In fact, studies show that expressing gratitude can physically change the brain.
• Boosts ‘feel-good’ chemicals — Gratitude activates the release of dopamine and serotonin.
• Reduces stress — Thankfulness lowers cortisol levels.
• Rewires neural pathways — Gratitude strengthens positive thought patterns through neuroplasticity.
• Improves sleep and resilience — Those who keep gratitude journals tend to sleep better and recover from challenges more easily.
Researchers at UC Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center found that writing one gratitude letter a week for three weeks increased happiness and reduced depression for months. Science calls this rewiring the brain; WGTS calls it renewing the mind.
Gratitude Through the Lens of Faith
The Word of God is filled with reminders to be thankful — not just when life feels easy, but in all circumstances:
“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:18
“Do not be anxious about anything… but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” — Philippians 4:6–7
“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.” — Psalm 107:1
Gratitude doesn’t ignore pain; it reframes it. It transforms ‘Why me?’ into ‘Thank You, Lord, for walking with me through this.’ It aligns our hearts with Heaven’s perspective and reminds us that we already have everything we need in Him.
The WGTS Connection: Gratitude in Creative Therapy
At We Get To Serve, gratitude is one of our core pillars of creative therapy. Creative expression — coloring, journaling, painting, or crafting — can turn moments of anxiety into opportunities for thankfulness and reflection.
When paired with faith, these moments become transformative:
• Color Your Calm pages invite gratitude and reflection.
• The Butterfly Effect Workbook includes thankfulness prompts for growth.
• The Kindness Rock Project turns gratitude into outreach.
Each of these practices blends art, science, and faith to help people renew their minds, regulate emotions, and reconnect with God’s peace.
Practical Gratitude in Action
Try one of these WGTS-inspired gratitude practices this week:
1. The Three Blessings Practice — Each night, write down three things you’re thankful for.
2. Creative Gratitude Journal — Spend five minutes coloring or doodling on a gratitude scripture.
3. Thank-You in Motion — Do something kind for someone today.
4. Speak Gratitude — Begin your day by thanking God aloud.
Research shows that consistent gratitude journaling for 21 days can increase optimism by up to 25%.
Faith + Science Integration Reflection
Gratitude activates the same regions of the brain that respond to prayer and worship — the mind renews, the heart softens, and the spirit aligns with peace.
As believers, we know this is divine design. God created our brains to respond to thanksgiving because gratitude draws us closer to Him.
“Gratitude rewires the brain — and revives the soul.”
Final Thoughts
A grateful heart creates a peaceful mind. Science may measure the brain’s response to gratitude, but faith understands the miracle behind it.
When we give thanks, we invite the presence of God to fill our thoughts, emotions, and actions. Gratitude becomes a form of worship — a way to serve, to heal, and to remember that even in the small things, He is faithful.
So as you move through your week, take a deep breath and whisper: ‘Thank You, Lord, for everything — even this moment.’
Because gratitude isn’t just a feeling; it’s a way of living. And in the WGTS community, we believe — We don’t have to serve — We Get to Serve.
Citations:
• Harvard Health Publishing, ‘Giving thanks can make you happier’ (2023)
• UC Berkeley Greater Good Science Center, ‘The Science of Gratitude’ (2022)
• Mayo Clinic, ‘The power of gratitude: How it can improve your well-being’ (2023)