Gratitude is a Muscle to Be Exercised
One of the first books I selected when I began hosting book studies at RDS was entitled “Raising Grateful Kids in an Entitled World” by Kristen Welch. To date, it is still one of my favorites. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 and Ephesians 5:20 both speak of giving thanks to God for all things. I believe the first step in teaching children this truth is learning how to exercise our own gratitude muscle. How do we remember to give thanks for our blessings let alone the difficult things?
In giving thanks for the difficult things, it is certainly not because we feel like it. Rather, it is by faith, knowing that God is working all things together for good to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). By faith, we can trust the One Who is all-knowing, all-loving, and sovereign over all. When we choose to set our mind on the trustworthiness of our heavenly Father and His Word, this mindset enables us to walk by faith. Prior Paul writes in Phil. 4:6-7, “Don’t worry about anything, but in everything through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” Ultimately, we can be free from racing thoughts and doubtful thinking because Philippians 4:5b tells us, “The Lord is near.” I love that. Even when we don’t feel like He is, He is.
Probably one of the most difficult things to teach preschoolers is how to show gratitude toward those things that are intangibles, such as, a sibling’s kindness, a friend who forgives us, a teacher who is patient when it’s difficult to learn, and so on. It is easy to overlook giving thanks for the things we feel entitled to in life. So how do we teach our children to give thanks for all things – the small incidentals, the good and not-so-good, and the disappointments?
I believe parents begin by modeling a grateful heart. When was the last time you showed gratitude for some small act of kindness? Additionally, when did you last exercise your gratitude muscle by expressing ‘thanks to God’ when something was disappointing? I confess it feels a little weird when you start but try it! And when you do, you will be teaching your children to trust a loving God despite their sad and disappointed feelings. Walking by faith in Truth rather than in our feelings is a life-long endeavor, right?
There is no better time than Thanksgiving to be mindful of expressing our gratitude; however, it is a muscle that we should and can exercise daily. Perhaps one or two of these books can assist you as you teach your children to exercise their gratitude muscles!
“The Thank You Book” by Mo Willems (ages 3-6)
“Thank You God” by Billy James
“Ezra Bear Thanks God” by E.P. Wilson
“Berenstain Bears Give Thanks” and “Berenstain Bears Thanksgiving” (ages 3-7)
“Bear Says Thanks” by Karma Wilson (ages 2-5)
“Just So Thankful” by Mercer Mayer (ages 5-6)
If you are traveling around town or out of state and want to listen to audio devotionals, I encourage you to investigate this one: a free app entitled Greybobby. Click on the bedtime devotional icon, but good for any time of day. There you will find three Proverb-themed devos; more will be coming. Pastor Zack Carden is the creator. 7-8 minutes each! Enjoy!
