christianparenting

How do we teach our kids to be thankful? How do we model it for them? How can we step outside ourselves and show gratitude?

Ever feel like God is trying to tell you something? Several times within the past week I’ve been reminded to show gratitude. Too many to say it was coincidence (not that there are any).

The other night at small group we were discussing prayer and the topic of giving praise and thanksgiving instead of just a wish list. I shared how I had encouraged my kids to tell God what they were thankful for at our bedtime prayer time. Little did I know that this would shape their prayers every night. Another family has this as part of their dinnertime tradition. After the blessing they go around and share what they are thankful for. What a great idea! Better than, “What did you do today?” - “Nothing”

This morning I was reading Spotting the Sacred – Noticing God in the Most Unusual Places by Bruce Main of Urban Promise. I’d like to share some with you…

Gratitude may be a counterintuitive and counter cultural act, especially for us in our possessive, materialistic world. Basic provisions can be quickly forgotten without pausing to acknowledge the miracle of their origin…

In the midst of difficulties and suffering, finding reasons to be grateful can be extremely difficult…Being grateful is difficult work. Practicing gratitude can work against out natural instincts…

Gratitude is not something that comes naturally or easily to human beings. It takes intentional effort..

And as Nouwen believes, when we open ourselves to gratitude, we will become increasingly grateful for the most mundane things in our lives – ultimately realizing that there is nothing mundane or boring or unworthy or our attention and praise.

Another quick note. In thinking about gratitude I was looking for a paper to write notes on and guess what I found. Notes from the Thanksgiving message by Pastor Jamie Cupschalk. Coincidence?

He says that Thanksgiving is important because it…

-         Reminds us of God’s provision

-         Reminds us of God’s blessing

-         Encourages us

-         Clears our focus

-         Glorifies God

So what are you thankful for? A roof? Food to eat? Health or that you’re still alive? How about being created? How about grace?

Ask your kids what they are thankful for and tell them what you are thankful for today. Who knows, maybe you’ll start a new family tradition of gratitude.

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