Parent’s Corner- February 21, 2021

T is for Thankfulness

“Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise His name.  For the LORD is good and His love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.”  Psalm 100:4-5

“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”  1 Thessalonians 5:16-18  

Where is your favorite spot in your house?  Is it your room?  Is it a cozy chair in the family room?  Is it on the back porch or in a swing?  One of my favorite places in my house is my kitchen.  In one corner, I have my coffee pot.  It is one of the first places I go each morning, and it is often one of the first things I see.  I have a little chalkboard sign next to it where I write a verse or an encouraging word.  For quite a while, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 has been written right where I see it early each day.  It is a great reminder for me to start my day with a joyful heart of prayer, and to give thanks.  This is not always easy to do every day, but the reminder certainly helps!

Have you ever made a list of all of the blessings that the Lord has given you?  Have you ever challenged yourself to write them down?  That would be a great exercise!  Once you start living in a spirit of thankfulness, it becomes easy to spot blessings throughout your day.  Certainly, there are days that are harder than others, but with practice, even those are a little more easy to bear.

When was the last time you thanked a person for something they have done for you, or for just being the person God created them to be?  Have they been a blessing in your life?  Have they encouraged you?  Have they done special things for you or given you a special gift?  Write them a note and tell them how much you appreciate them, and how thankful you are to the Lord for them.  This could be the start of a great pattern of thankfulness!