A THANKFUL HEART IS A HAPPY HEART

Tonight our little Jessie, who is almost 3, chose a book about "The First Thanksgiving" for her bedtime story.  The story gave a brief overview of historical events (about the pilgrims and Native Americans) and then told of the importance of being thankful.  The reason the Pilgrims gathered to feast with their Indian neighbors was because they were so thankful at how they had been blessed with an abundance of food after an unimaginably harsh winter (in which half of their population had died).  They realized that God had provided for them through the help of the Native Americans, and they shared all they had out of hearts filled with gratitude toward their Creator and new friends. 


It occurred to me as I was reading that it might be a good idea to treat every mealtime the same way we do Thanksgiving dinner.  It has become the custom of our family on Thanksgiving, before we feast,  to take turns telling each other what we are all thankful for.  Why not do this on a daily basis?  Of course we thank God for our food when we "say Grace", but I think I'd like for us to take it a bit farther than that...to make sure everyone in the family has the opportunity each day to vocalize their thankfulness.  For those of you who have seen "Madame Blueberry" (Veggie Tales), you know as well as I that "a thankful heart is a happy heart!"


We'll start doing it and let you know how it goes.  Of course we can give thanks at any time...not just meals.  There have been many times when my bad attitude was almost instantly transformed when I remembered to be thankful.  Try it and see how you feel.  Especially if you're in a blue sort of mood.  Begin to think of the things you are thankful for.  Write them down.  Tell someone.  This is a sound recipe for having a good day!


"Rejoice evermore.  Pray without ceasing.  In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."                                                                                                                                                                         I Thessalonians 5:16-18

WHAT WE'RE THANKFUL FOR:

Jessie:  "I'm thankful for Grammy Kent and Uncle Gabe and lots and lots of lizards...this many!  (holding up both hands)...And for friends--Laura &Elena and Gabby & Garrett and their mom...And for little hearts and monkeys!  And I'm thankful for pillows and my mom and dad and movies..."


Elena:  "I'm thankful for my family and my friends.  I'm also thankful for my bed, my pillows, my nice, soft, comfy blankets and my mom and dad."


Laura:  "I'm thankful for my beautiful dollies and my wonderful family.  And I'm very, very thankful for my wonderful friends Sophie and Maddie.  And...for my wonderful Auntie Hop and Uncle Oscar...they are nice!"


Mara:  "I have so very many things to be thankful for, and the more I think about it, the more I realize I have nothing to be UNthankful for!   Just the fact that I exist is reason to give thanks to our Creator every moment of each day.  But not only that, He also delighted to bless me with...
a husband who truly loves me (more than I could have hoped for); 4 beautiful, smart, healthy, funny children; good friends and mentors at various times in my life when I really needed them; the opportunity to hear about and receive Jesus as my Savior; a warm house; food on a daily basis; clean water; hot showers; a dishwaher (Thanks Dad and Jill!); fresh chicken eggs...this could go on forever!  Oh...Let's not forget dark chocolate!...And tropical beaches!!


Luke: "I'm thankful for God's amazing creation that He's given us to enjoy!  Trees, mountains, sky...the opportunity to explore it all.  Basic necessities, that we take so easily for granted, available at our fingertips.  Everything we need in abundance.  Of course I would be remiss not to mention my amazing family!  A wife far better than I ever imagined I would have--far more supportive, loving...fun.  Kids that make me immensely proud.  My greatest reason for thankfulness would certainly be the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ.  I'm thankful for America...a country that still allows us many freedoms and opportunities..."


Caleb: (He can't speak for himself yet, but I'm sure this is what he'd say)..."Mommy's milk; a mommy and daddy who love me; beautiful sisters who daily smother me with kisses!"