In this cozy Thanksgiving week episode of the Uncommon Purpose Podcast, hosts Mandy and Stephanie gather around the mic (and the imaginary table) to talk about the beauty and complexity of gratitude. From family dynamics and cultural traditions to pie debates and Black Friday chaos, the two friends invite listeners to slow down, savor the moment, and intentionally choose joy and gentleness this season.

They share stories of Persian-American Thanksgiving traditions, grieving with gratitude, and how cultivating a thankful heart can transform even the hardest moments. This episode is filled with laughter, warmth, and reflection—a reminder that gratitude is not just a feeling but a spiritual discipline that draws us closer to God.

🙏 Devotional Companion: “Lingering at the Table”

Scripture:

“Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name.” — Psalm 100:4 (NLT)

Reflection: Thanksgiving isn’t just a meal—it’s a mindset. Between the noise of family chatter, the football game humming in the background, and the to-do list that never ends, it’s easy to miss the sacred in the ordinary.

Mandy and Stephanie remind us that gratitude is more than a seasonal sentiment—it’s a posture of the heart that changes how we experience both joy and ache. True thanksgiving happens when we pause long enough to name what we’re grateful for, linger in conversation, and notice God’s presence in the midst of it all.

Practice:

• Before you sit down to eat, whisper one quiet thank-you to God for something only you and He know.
• Speak one word of blessing over someone at your table.
• Choose gentleness—with your words, your expectations, and yourself.

Prayer: Lord, thank You for the people, memories, and even the imperfections that make this season beautiful. Help me linger longer at the table, love deeper in the tension, and see Your goodness woven through it all. Teach me to live a life that overflows with gratitude—not just in November, but every day. Amen.