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A Summer of Gratitude
Summer is here. The days are hotter. The sun is out longer. The kiddos are out of school and there’s a fresh energy in the air. You have vacations planned, summer projects you want to tackle, and probably a running list of things you hope to accomplish before the school year starts again.
Am I right?
Just the other day, I made a binder for my Summer 2026 goals and action steps as I continue my focus on getting back to the basics this year. I know, it’s a little old school, but it helps me organize my thoughts, keep track of what I’m learning, and gives me room to write. Because, as you know, I have to write it ALL out.
As you prepare for vacations, hosting friends and family, and hopefully a little rest, I do have one organizing recommendation:
Give yourself the gift of coming home to a tidy house.
Before you leave, spend a little time resetting the spaces you’ll appreciate most when you return. Put away the laundry, clear the kitchen counters, toss old food from the refrigerator, and leave yourself a note about where you left off on any work projects.
Future You will be grateful.
But if you’re staying local this summer, like I am, and your list of goals is longer than the number of hours available (also like me), I’d love to invite you to join me in something else:
Slowing down.
Breathing.
And getting back to the heart of what matters: GRATITUDE.
In my book, I wrote:
Gratitude is an appreciation for receiving something from someone else. We all have an abundance, and it’s OK to be grateful to God for what He’s given you. You may look at a pile of items you’re releasing and think, What if I need it again? Instead, look at all the items you’ve chosen to keep and let gratitude sweep over you. Dietrich Bonhoeffer reminds us that, “It is only with gratitude that life becomes rich!” Even in decluttering, we can pause for a minute and give an offering to God of gratitude. This offering can help us get back on track with our organizing goals and also make the process more peaceful and calm. I love this quote by A.W. Tozer: “Gratitude is an offering precious in the sight of God, and it is one that the poorest of us can make and be not poorer but richer for having made it.”
Lately, I’ve been noticing how easy it is to focus on everything that still needs to be done.
I have summer organizing goals too: organizing my evacuation keepsakes, tackling physical photos, finally finishing our wedding album, and moving forward on all my Melinda Grace Organizing business dreams.
At the same time, my inbox is full of “summer must-haves,” influencers sharing products that I suddenly think I need, and it’s easy to start focusing on everything I don’t have yet.
The cool toy for Dylan.
The latest non-toxic product.
The completed project.
The next milestone.
The next version of myself.
Suddenly, I’m anxious, overwhelmed, tired and ready for nap.
And you know what?
That isn’t helpful.
At. All.
Instead, consider this verse:
Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
— 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Not because every circumstance is perfect or fun.
But because gratitude shifts our focus from what is missing to what God has already provided.
A home.
A family.
Friends.
Meaningful work.
Freedom.
Love.
Memories.
Lessons learned.
And God’s grace through every season.
We are far richer than we often realize.
I remember when I was trying to figure out my next career and calling. The tendency to focus on all the skills I didn’t have: coding, website design, campaign funnels, Google ads, etc. was so discouraging and depressing. It would give me anxiety and I would lose hope easily.
When I stopped one day to consider the skills I already had and be grateful for them and my life experience, it changed everything for me. I was able to wisely consider options and compare them to the realities of who I am and how my skills could translate.
I eventually, ended up becoming a professional home organizer and well … the rest is history. Gratitude can change everything.
I even see it when decluttering with my clients. They will be stuck on an item they know they want to let go of and I’ll say something like “thank you, item, for xyz; but we have to send you to your next home.” They will laugh and then feel the gratitude for God’s provision and let that item go. It’s crazy pants.
Also, did you know that the simple act of gratitude can have major health benefits? I wrote about this in my book and somehow, I constantly forget!
Actual scientific research shows that gratitude practiced regularly can lower levels of depression, reduce anxiety, decrease the risk of heart disease, and lower blood pressure! It can improve relaxation and sleep and also relieve stress. When we stop to organize and deal with our clutter and the questions that arise with gratitude, we can experience symptoms of improved health!
If you haven’t had a chance to grab my book or audiobook (I still have free audiobook codes – just hit reply and ask for one), now’s a great time to add it to your summer reading list. It’s an easy, short read. The book also comes with a digital guided journal so you can write your own prayers of gratitude as you declutter and reclaim your space with gratitude.
So this summer, before I check my email, look at my to-do list, or plan my week, I’m going to pause and thank God for something.
Something big.
Something small.
Something ordinary.
Something extraordinary.
A simple offering of gratitude for what is now and present before moving on to what is to come and future visions.
Will you join me in a summer of gratitude?
I’d love to know:
What is one thing you’re deeply grateful for this summer that you may have overlooked in the busyness of everyday life?
Comment below. Though I may not have time to reply, I read every response.
Be Extraordinary,
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