What Are You Grateful For?
Monday, October 20, 2008 Posted by Piera Jolly
I read an article last week in Parenting that discussed how to raise a child to love life. One point that struck home to me was the suggestion to "be wowed" or to instill in our kids authentic gratitude for what the world offers. In essence, that to be happy is not about material things or how many things we own or how much money we have. Of course, we all intrinsically know this, but do we remember this lesson everday? Do we teach our children by example? For our children to really know happiness they must be grateful for what the world offers free of charge. The article goes on to say that the best way for our children to learn this is by the parents feeling it themselves. The best way to do this is by being thankful in the moment. Like being grateful for those extra 30 minutes you get to spend with your child or a beautiful sunset or thanking someone for opening your door.
A set of parents featured in the article came up with a wonderful tradition of having "gratefuls" every night before bed. They ask their children, "what are you grateful for today?" I really love this idea and will definitely begin doing this with my own family.
So, what am I grateful for today?
As always, I am grateful for my family's health. I am grateful for the health of my little boy. So many families are not so lucky. I always think about this little boy, Emerson, who is 2 weeks older than Lucas. I do not know him or his family, but I keep track of them on their online journal. The mom posts on a parenting board I frequent. Her little boy has a brain tumor. He has had many surgeries and has spent most of his life in a hospital. I check on him everday and say a little prayer for him and another one for my little boy.
I am grateful that we got to go to a pumpkin patch/fall festival today. We had a lot of fun!
I am grateful that my husband sold a house yesterday because the real estate market is so bad. We really needed it!
What are you grateful for?
A set of parents featured in the article came up with a wonderful tradition of having "gratefuls" every night before bed. They ask their children, "what are you grateful for today?" I really love this idea and will definitely begin doing this with my own family.
So, what am I grateful for today?
As always, I am grateful for my family's health. I am grateful for the health of my little boy. So many families are not so lucky. I always think about this little boy, Emerson, who is 2 weeks older than Lucas. I do not know him or his family, but I keep track of them on their online journal. The mom posts on a parenting board I frequent. Her little boy has a brain tumor. He has had many surgeries and has spent most of his life in a hospital. I check on him everday and say a little prayer for him and another one for my little boy.
I am grateful that we got to go to a pumpkin patch/fall festival today. We had a lot of fun!
I am grateful that my husband sold a house yesterday because the real estate market is so bad. We really needed it!
What are you grateful for?
October 20, 2008 1:10 AM
Thanks for posting this. I am definitely grateful for the health of my family and the fact that I have a family. I am amazed every day at the blessings God has for me. I am grateful to find and meet new friend like you as well!
October 20, 2008 1:46 AM
Me too! I should have written I am grateful for new friends AND a friend who knows about HTML code ; )
October 20, 2008 12:05 PM
I look at my daughter everyday and am so grateful that she is in my life. She has brought us so much joy and laughter in the year that she has been home. It is truly the best priveledge in the world to be a parent!
October 20, 2008 11:44 PM
I love you blog and I especially love this post. Remembering to be grateful is a wonderful part of everyday! Thanks for the reminder.
Bless you!
Tina Mae
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