It was a typical Saturday afternoon as we drove through the bustling streets of downtown. The city was alive with its usual blend of sights and sounds, a mosaic of urban life. In the backseat, my three children were engaged in their usual mix of playful banter and occasional bickering. As we stopped at a traffic light, a scene outside our car window caught their attention. A homeless man with weary eyes and tattered clothes stood silently holding a cardboard sign that read, “Hungry, anything helps.”
My youngest daughter, with the innocent curiosity of a five-year-old, asked, “Daddy, what does his sign say?” Before I could answer, my middle child, a seven-year-old with a blunt sense of observation, stated, “He looks dirty; he needs a bath,” which was a bit ironic due to the leftover traces of outdoor play smudged on his chin. Yet his words hung in the air, and I realized this was more than just a moment of childish observation of the world around them, but it was also one of those frequent teachable moments that so often crop up each day.
Looking in the rearview mirror, I replied to the kids, “That man is asking for help. He doesn’t have the things we often take for granted like a home, food, or even a shower.” I saw their expressions change as they began to process this new perspective. “We are blessed with so much,” I continued, “from the roof over our heads to the food in our refrigerator. And the greatest blessing we have is understanding God’s love. And part of that love is learning to share it with others, no matter what their situation might be.”
We continued the conversation on the drive home, discussing how thankful we are for the different blessings we have been afforded in this world. We discussed how being thankful to God isn’t just about appreciating what we have, but also about extending His love and kindness to those who are less fortunate. I explained that gratitude is more than feeling thankful; it’s an action. It’s showing kindness, offering help, and sharing what we have, just as Jesus taught us.
The Biblical Foundation of Gratitude
Our family’s journey in cultivating gratitude begins with the rich tapestry of biblical narratives. From King David’s heartfelt songs of thanksgiving in the Psalms to Jesus’ expression of gratitude during the Last Supper, these stories offer us a roadmap for nurturing a grateful heart in the little ones that we are tasked with raising. With King David, we find a man who faced immense trials, yet his psalms are a testament to unwavering gratitude. Consider Psalm 23, a passage of trust and thankfulness even in the “valley of the shadow of death.”
This psalm teaches us and our children that gratitude is not contingent on our circumstances but is a constant state of our hearts and focus on Jesus.
As we read these lines with our children, we discuss how, like David, they can find reasons to be thankful even on difficult days. This biblical perspective is crucial in today’s world, where our kids face external pressures that we never had to even consider when we were their age.
Three Practical Steps for Nurturing Thankfulness in Your Kids
In a world where the “me-first” mentality often prevails, how can Oneness Apostolic families intentionally cultivate a spirit of gratitude and servant leadership in their children? It’s crucial to remember that our children are keen observers, mirroring our attitudes and behaviors. When we as adults express discontent, focusing on what we lack or how life is unfair, our children are likely to adopt a similar outlook. Instead, by consciously modeling positivity, gratitude, and contentment, we set a powerful example for our young ones.
Here are four practical steps you can take with your family today to foster a mindset of thankfulness and servant leadership. These steps are designed to emphasize the positives in life, encourage a grateful heart, and diminish the allure of always wanting more. By embodying these values ourselves, we teach our children to appreciate their blessings, big and small, and to extend the same love and kindness to others, just as we strive to do.
- Intentionally End Your Day with Thankfulness: Incorporate into your bedtime routine a conversation around being grateful or “informally testifying” about how God made His love known to each of your kids each day. Have them speak to “the good things that happened that day,” and gently guide the conversation toward how it was an example of God’s many blessings in their life. This can be included in a “praise journal” that your family contributes to each evening, which can become a powerful family scrapbook or time capsule that can be reflected upon over the years. The My Praise Journal: A Kid’s Worship and Praise Adventure from Pentecostal Publishing House is an excellent resource to help you in this quest.
- Engaging Bible Studies: In our family’s journey of faith and gratitude, we regularly turn to stories like the ten lepers in Luke 17:11–19, enriched by resources such as The Family Devotional from Pentecostal Publishing House. Our “Family Faith Nights” are more than mere Bible readings; they are immersive experiences of discussion, reflection, and practical life application to the real moments the kids experience each day. The Family Devotional provides weekly themes and insights that align beautifully with the issues of our day, helping us to recognize and appreciate God’s blessings in every aspect of our lives. It’s through these guided conversations that my children are learning to embrace gratitude deeply, seeing it not just as a biblical principle, but as a daily practice woven into the fabric of our lives.
- Community Service as a Family: Embracing the biblical directive of Hebrews 13:16, “But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased,” I have found inspiration in the book May I Wash Your Feet? by Joy L. Haney. This insightful resource encourages readers to adopt the role of a servant leader to others, as it was modeled by Jesus Christ to His disciples. Based upon the teachings of this book, families can actively engage in community service, seeking opportunities to serve through collaboration with your council on local initiatives, involvement with the chamber of commerce in community projects, and staying attuned to the needs of your neighbors. This commitment to service is more than an act of charity; it’s a living testament to the biblical call to do good and communicate, a tangible expression of our faith. Additionally, our participation in the outreach efforts of our local church extends our impact, allowing us to make a meaningful difference in the world around us. This involvement not only provides avenues for outreach and sharing God’s love with the world around us, but also serves as a practical example for our children. They learn the importance of servant leadership and hopefully develop a heart for others, witnessing the love and care modeled by us as their parents. Through these experiences, they understand the joy and fulfillment that come from selfless service, embodying the principles taught in May I Wash Your Feet? and living out the biblical mandate to do good and communicate.
Personal Growth through Teaching
As a father, my journey in nurturing gratitude has taught me that my personal growth in this virtue is just as crucial as imparting it to my children. In living out the teachings of Colossians 3:16, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord,” I endeavor to be a living example of thankfulness in action. This path is about embodying the virtues we desire to see in our children.
To other parents on this journey, I advise starting with open conversations. Regularly ask your children what they are thankful for and share your own reflections. When they inevitably display moments of selfishness or even attempt to demand, manipulate, or lament the things they feel that they lack, guiding them back to a focus of what they are blessed with can teach them to be grateful.
Leading by example is vital. Be patient and consistent, as gratitude is a virtue that flourishes over time with continuous practice.
Remember, every small act of thankfulness is a step toward nurturing a heart of gratitude in your child, reflecting the wisdom and grace we are encouraged to share as taught in Colossians.
Enriching Our Journey with Resources
Our family’s exploration of gratitude and faith has been profoundly enriched by the insightful resources available from the Pentecostal Publishing House. We’ve discovered treasures like Because I Belong to Jesus: Conversations with Kids About Holiness by Lee Ann Alexander, a remarkable book that offers a unique approach to discussing the concept of holiness with children. Its interactive style, blending storytelling with thoughtful questions, has opened up meaningful dialogues within our family, making complex biblical concepts accessible and engaging for my kids. The book’s ability to connect deep spiritual truths with everyday life has been a game-changer in our spiritual education at home.
Equally impactful has been Wise and Silly In Jesus’ Name by Wil Rowland Jr. This book takes a creative approach to teaching children about wisdom and decision-making in a manner that resonates with their understanding. Through captivating stories and relatable characters, it imparts valuable lessons on making wise choices, grounded in biblical principles. The engaging narrative and lively illustrations have captured my children’s imagination, making learning about wisdom both enjoyable and memorable.
These resources from Pentecostal Publishing House have not only provided us with quality educational material but have also served as a catalyst for deeper family bonding and spiritual growth. They have been instrumental in teaching my children the wisdom of the Bible in a way that is both fun and profound, making our journey of faith and gratitude all the more enriching.
As we navigate raising children in a world that has so blatantly turned its back on God, we find solace and direction in the timeless teachings of the Bible. Instilling gratitude in our children is a divine mission. Let us embrace this journey with faith, drawing from Scripture and the wealth of resources available to us, to raise children who are not only thankful but also a light in this world.