Written by contributing writer, Michele at Frugal Granola.
Turning the calendar page to the autumn-leafed splendor of November momentarily brought slight pangs of “mommy guilt” to this homeschooling mama.
“What?! Thanksgiving is approaching, and I haven’t prepared a “thankfulness unit,” complete with Bible verses, family activities, and crafts?”
Then I heard my little boy’s voice at the table behind me lisping, “Yeth please. Thank you.”
And I remembered.
It’s the intentional, everyday thankfulness that I seek to cultivate in my children’s hearts; illuminating the awe of everyday blessings amid both trials and goodness.
Yes, we’ll still celebrate Thanksgiving. We’ll eat turkey, sweet potatoes, and pie (they’ve already put in their requests).
But real thankfulness isn’t limited to one day; albeit how special the “National Holiday”, or how creative a schooling curriculum may be.
The real joy to this mama’s heart is when we’re celebrating moments.
(I’ve been journaling my thankfulness for daily gifts, since reading One Thousand Gifts last year.)
- The family “assembly line,” picking the bucketfuls of apples before frost arrives.
- My brave little girl spontaneously giving her testimony for the first time to another girl at the library.
- Warm chocolate chip cookies from the oven (from Nana’s well-worn recipe).
- Memorizing our weekly Bible verses together.
- Savoring a visit from a special friend. (“It’s ok the dog ate my present; I just wanted to see her.”)
- A soothing bedtime medicine on a rough night.
- New snow boots for the coming winter.
- Giggles & hallelujahs from the playroom; singing along to a (very loud) worship CD.
- Pennies saved to sponsor an international AWANA club.
- My little boy with his favorite library book, carrying it around town.
- The joy at choosing special items for our Operation Christmas Child shoebox.
- Sweet smiles from a friend’s baby.
- The whole family (including the kicking littlest one in my belly!) snuggling in the cozy flannel sheets of Daddy & Mama’s bed on an early, chilly morning.
- Warm milk and a big bowl of popcorn on a Sabbath afternoon.
- Sharing a huge pot of homemade soup with friends.
17 Pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (1 Thessalonians 5:17-18)
I love reading people’s thankful lists. Today mine included:
- a midnight ride with my husband around the farm, moonlight and laughter.
- the barn glowing red in the evening sun.
- little boy toes, covered in mud
May everyday be filled with more of Him!
I’ve been writting down my thankfulness for the daily gifts and blessings for the past year now. What a difference it makes in your perspective! Thanks for sharing Michelle!
—A 2 yr. old daughter’s “I love you so much mommy!”
—A friend who volunteered to help with a painting project.
—Butternut Squash Dessert
—Brisk early morning runs
—A husband whose arms hug me every night
—A 4 yr. old who volunteered to tidy the house!!!!!!
—Clean bed sheets
—The sun which rises in the east each morning
Etc., Etc.
I, too, have read One Thousand Gifts, and I am thankful I did!
Thanks for sharing this. I’ve been thinking about being thankful at all times, too. Today, I’m thankful for this new little one growing inside me.
Giving thanks for healthy, happy children. I love that your daughter spontaneously gave her testimony. What a proud moment that must be!
I need to start journaling all the things I’m thankful for. Too often, especially in prayer, I focus on everything else except the giving of thanks for what He has done! Thanks for the reminder to give thanks always.
I absolutely love this! My 3 (just turned 4) year old daughter was really struggling with selfishness. That age is so “about themselves” as it is, but her personality makes it even worse. I prayed desperately about what I could do as her mama..and God gave me an answer. Each day we take time just her and I (with siblings that can be challenging!), and do something for someone else.
Last week we purchased items for a girl her age for Operation Christmas Child, we painted pictures for her grandma and grandpa’s as thank you’s for gifts, made a simple gift with mama or a brand new family member. I see the fruit of doing this already, and it’s only been a week! Her little heart is being renewed by the Savior…the by product of servanthood is joy. May we all know this true joy, by giving thanks and serving others!
Blessings,
Joy~