Read:
Psalm 79:13 “Then we your people, the sheep of your pasture, will praise you forever; from generation to generation we will proclaim your praise.”
Think:
“Piglet noticed that even though he had a very small heart, it could hold a rather large amount of Gratitude.” ― A.A. Milne, Winnie-the-Pooh
In an era when many middle school kids casually tote around $600 smartphones, often taking them for granted, instilling a sense of gratitude can seem like an uphill battle. However, despite the challenges of teaching children to appreciate things in a world that appears to prioritize excess, it remains a worthy endeavor.
A study published in the Journal of Happiness Studies in 2019 revealed a significant link between gratitude and the happiness of children as early as age five. This suggests that nurturing gratitude in your children from a young age can lay the foundation for their future happiness.
Teaching our children the value of gratitude is a process that can't be forced or rushed. It's much like any other aspect of parenting. Pointing an accusatory finger and sternly commanding, "You better be thankful, kids!" won't be effective. Instead, it requires a patient and deliberate approach. We can lead by example – expressing gratitude toward God aloud and frequently, modeling thankfulness, nurturing humility by using phrases like "please" and "thank you," and openly acknowledging our God-given blessings. As we consistently do these things, our children will naturally begin to imitate these expressions of gratitude.
Apply:
Make it a point to express gratitude to God in the presence of your children. It can be as easy as saying, prior to a meal, “Thank you, Jesus, for providing so we can enjoy this delicious food.”
Pray:
Jesus, help me to live by example. I am grateful for all your blessings and the provisions you have given me. Help me show my children how to live in a grateful mindset. In Jesus' name. Amen.