Give thanks to the Lord for he is good. Psalm 107:1a
Thanksgiving will be here before we know it, and our kids are already thinking about what they want for Christmas. What better time to teach our children–and remind ourselves–to be thankful!
An attitude of thankfulness connects us with our Creator. It’s easy with the busyness and stresses of everyday life to forget all God has done for us. If we stop and think about it, we take many things for granted–food, shelter, the clothes on our backs, the love of our families, living in a country where we’re free to pursue our dreams, speak our minds, and worship as we please.
I don’t know about you, but when I give someone a gift it feels good to be thanked. Yet how often I fail to thank God for the many gifts He has showered upon me! The Thanksgiving holiday is a great time to remember to thank God for all He’s done and continues to do for us.
Having a thankful heart all year round–not just on Thanksgiving Day–makes us pause in the midst of our busyness and connect with the Lover of our Souls who delights in blessing us.
An attitude of thankfulness brings contentment. Studies show that people who practice gratitude (a.k.a. thanksgiving) are happier. According to Harvard Health Publishing, “Gratitude helps people feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve their health, deal with adversity, and build strong relationships.”* Preacher and theologian Harry Ironside said it well:
“Thanksgiving is the enemy of discontent and dissatisfaction.“
I’ve discovered this myself. I can either let distressing thoughts flood my mind, or I can find something to be thankful for. When I exchange my negative thoughts for an “attitude of gratitude,” my whole perspective changes. The world seems a better place. I feel more connected to God.
So how do we teach this to our children?
Here are 6 ways to teach our kids thankfulness:
1. MODEL THANKFULNESS TO YOUR CHILDREN
What do your kids see when you encounter disappointment, discouragement or worrisome news? A thankful heart is better caught than taught. The Apostle Paul encourages us to:
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (I Thessalonians 5:16-18, NIV)
When our daughter was little my husband’s mother passed away. Her early death left a huge hole in our lives. We were saddened to know she would never get to see her grandchildren grow up. But we made a decision. Instead of mourning all the years we would miss without her, we would be thankful for the years we did have with her. Without thinking about it, we were modeling thankfulness for our daughter.
Knowing our kids are watching can motivate us to develop the habit of giving thanks “in all circumstances.” Whether things are going smoothly or you’re encountering difficulties, let your kids hear you thank God in the midst of it.
2. INCLUDE THANKSGIVING IN ALL YOUR PRAYERS
A Thanksgiving Day tradition in our house involves placing three kernels of corn in front of each place at the dinner table. Before saying the blessing, we pass around a basket three times. Each person places a kernel in the basket and shares something they’re thankful to God for.
When you bless the food at your dinner table or when you pray with your kids at night, always start with thanking God for specific blessings.
Pray impromptu prayers of thanks. Throughout the years we’ve spontaneously prayed, “Thank you, God,” in our children’s hearing when a blessing comes our way.
3. TELL YOUR CHILDREN HOW THANKFUL YOU ARE FOR THEM
The Bible tells us that children are a gift from God. (Psalm 127:3 NLT) Let your kids know how much God loves them. He created them in the womb, and they are “fearfully and wonderfully made.” (Psalm 139:14)
Tell them specifically what character qualities and actions you’re thankful for. As you express thankfulness for your kids, it will fill their emotional gas tanks. This, in turn, can result in their showing appreciation for others.
4. TEACH YOUR KIDS THE WONDER OF GOD’S GRACE
In this culture we want every child to feel like a winner. Every kid on the soccer team gets a trophy. We say, “Awesome!” for the smallest achievement. And it’s true. Our kids are great. Jesus Himself gathered children around and loved on them.
But there’s another truth. The Bible says we’ve all sinned and fall short of the glory of God—even our kids.
Think of it this way. Let’s say a bunch of us decided to swim to Hawaii from the California coast. Some of us couldn’t get off the beach. Others might swim a few yards. Still others could swim for miles. But not one of us would come anywhere close to reaching Hawaii. That’s how far we fall short of the glory of God.
The Bible says all our good works are like “filthy rags” when presented to God. We can’t earn our way to Heaven.
That’s where the wonder of God’s grace comes in! He loves us so much that He sent His son Jesus to take our place on the Cross while we were still sinners, helpless to save ourselves. Jesus is God’s bridge to us over the chasm of our sin!
When we understand our condition in sin and God’s amazing grace in rescuing us, we can’t help but be grateful. Teaching our kids the wonders of God’s grace can lead them to an “attitude of gratitude” toward God, who loves and cares for them.
5. URGE YOUR KIDS TO SHOW GRATITUDE TOWARD OTHERS
Teach them to say “please” and “thank you”–even to family members.
Have them write “thank you” notes to relatives and friends. (I know. I hated it, too. But there’s no better way to teach kids gratitude toward someone who expended the effort and expense to give them a gift.)
Encourage them to express appreciation for what others do for them, whether they be siblings, parents, teachers, friends, or neighbors.
6. PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUR CHILDREN TO SERVE
In addition to teaching them compassion, serving others less fortunate than themselves will help your children appreciate the blessings God has given them. Visit a nursing home. Serve meals at a homeless shelter. Sponsor a child through a missionary organization. Mow a lawn or shovel snow for an elderly neighbor.
How have you helped your children develop an attitude of thankfulness? I’d love to hear from you.
Leave a comment below.
*https://www.health.harvard.edu/healthbeat/giving-thanks-can-make-you-happier