It’s that time of the season when everywhere we turn we are encouraged to pause and give thanks. It’s a beautiful reminder and one I wish would follow us throughout the year ahead. The thing about gratitude is it doesn’t have to make an appearance during the holidays and then disappear from our midst.

The truly thankful family grows in gratitude every day of the year, during every stage of life.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 says,

Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.

Though I’ve read it hundreds of times, this verse really convicted me today. I shared in our Facebook community,

Oh sometimes it’s just so hard. But there is always, always something to be thankful for. And when we train ourselves (and our children) to turn our minds towards the good in every situation, gratitude wins. A convicting reminder for me today. But this is the spirit we desire in our home so we’re committed to work on it together.

Like most things in life and faith, we’re growing along with our kids. Oh I’m sure there’s a mom or dad or two out there who’ve got it all figured out; discipling from a place of truly knowing and living the gospel. But the truth of the gospel is that we’re all a work in progress, in need of a Savior every single day of our lives.

And so we grow together. And on Thanksgiving we get to gather together and grow in faith and gratitude – first and foremost, for Jesus and then for the many blessings we enjoy because of his goodness and grace.

We’ve shared some encouraging posts this month from moms of all stages about how to cultivate thanksgiving within our families.

 

For the family with preschool and elementary age kids:

Teach Kids the Art of Thanksgiving with these Fun Activities

For those with teens (and tweens):

Cultivating Thanksgiving in the Heart of Your Teen

For the parents (like me) being reminded to practice gratitude as you teach your children:

How Parents Can Learn Gratitude as they Teach their Kids

For those who desire an aroma of thanks to permeate their surroundings:

Creating an Atmosphere of Thanksgiving in Your Home

 

As you enjoy a feast of food and thanksgiving this week, I pray you feel the grace to carry your gratitude into the days ahead.

 

A Thanksgiving Prayer for Your Family

Dear God,

Thank you for the feast that is before us, today and every day.

We are reminded on this Thanksgiving Day that your blessings are ever present in our lives.

Thank you for family – those with whom we live, walk, love and grow.

Thank you for your provision – for our jobs, our home, our food and clothing.

Thank you for your abundance – for blessings beyond what we need but get to enjoy nonetheless.

Thank you for your peace – our security in the midst of uncertainty.

Thank you for your love – overflowing and never-changing.

Thank you for Jesus – our hope and our salvation.

No matter what circumstances we face today, we are thankful because you are good.

May our hearts be always aware of all we have to be thankful for so that gratitude will guide us every day of the year.

In Jesus Name, Amen.

 

Enjoy fun, meaningful Christian shows with your kids through our first ever FREE Minno preview weekend. Start with Buck Denver and Friends as they discuss many aspects of the Thanksgiving holiday.