It’s that season once again: leaves are transforming, schedules are filling up, grocery carts are bustling, and (not surprisingly) someone is already playing Christmas music before we’ve found the cranberry sauce in the store. If you’re like me, November brings a blend of gratitude and fatigue. We aim to feel thankful, but daily busyness makes it difficult to recognize our current blessings. Amidst errands, emails, and never-ending “to-do" lists, our spirits can feel overwhelmed.

But what if I told you that gratitude isn’t solely about achieving more? It's more about pausing to recognize what God has already provided and learning to harmonize with the melody of gratitude. Imagine life as music, with some days celebrating in major keys of joy and vitality, while others explore minor keys filled with reflection, struggle, or longing—each contributing to the same divine symphony.

Talking about music, I’ve recently been thinking about Prince. (Yes, that Prince.) He achieved a great deal in his lifetime, with reports indicating around 8,000 unreleased songs stored in his vault. Simultaneously, he was recognized as a control freak, often acting relentlessly and coldly to others if things didn’t align with his vision. Nonetheless, everyone agrees his creativity appeared boundless. Aware of his idiosyncrasies and not dismissing them, I find his talent for composing songs in both major and minor keys particularly fascinating.

His popular songs, such as “Let’s Go Crazy” or “Kiss,” evoke a desire to dance, radiating joyful, carefree energy. However, listening to “Purple Rain” or “When Doves Cry” evokes a different emotion—a sense of longing, a prayer, or a heartfelt cry that runs deeper.

Life often presents a mix of emotions: some days are filled with laughter, the smell of good food that evokes childhood memories (Mmm, Donuts!), and small victories that make us smile, while others are calmer, gentler, and sometimes tinged with sadness or melancholy. Thankfully, both kinds of days are part of God’s plan. Gratitude isn’t only for big moments; it grows through everyday experiences. A truly grateful heart doesn’t wait for happiness but sees grace in all things.

Perhaps that’s why Thanksgiving feels like the ideal time to navigate the major and minor keys of life. As a holiday rooted in gratitude, it emerges amidst chaos. Amid grocery runs, family gatherings, and endless chores, God still guides us into His rhythm of grace.

Gratitude doesn’t eliminate chaos; it enables us to recognize God’s presence amidst it. Life, like music, unfolds in both major and minor keys. Some moments celebrate with joy and laughter, while others hum quietly with pain or longing. Nevertheless, every note is significant. Gratitude is not a single sound but a sacred harmony where joy and sorrow coexist, each contributing to the melody of God’s grace. Even when the rhythm feels irregular, God continues to conduct, transforming both the bright and broken parts of our song into beauty.

Before I conclude, I want to express my gratitude to the Snellville Community Church family during Pastor Appreciation Month. Your consistent care, quiet prayers, and thoughtful words to our pastoral team serve as a reminder of what gratitude looks like when life plays in both major and minor keys. Your encouragement helps us stay in tune with God’s rhythm, through the highs that inspire us to sing and the lows that bring us closer to His heart.

As we journey through this season together, may we continue to listen for the melody of grace that underpins everything. Gratitude stabilizes us, hope propels us forward, and God transforms every movement of our lives into something beautiful. God bless you and Happy Thanksgiving!

At the Intersection,
Dr. Quincy Brown