To appreciate small or minor benefits, advantages, or opportunities one is afforded, particularly in the midst of an otherwise difficult, frustrating, or unfortunate situation or circumstance. My car's air conditioning stopped working two hours into my cross-country road trip. The radio still works, though, so I suppose I should give thanks for small blessings. Our son's accident left him without the use of his right eye; we're just giving thanks for small blessings that he still has the use of his left one.