Gratitude

In teaching my children at home there are certain character traits I wish to instill. Recently I have noticed a trait in which I am not satisfied with in my younger boys. I am witnessing an "I want" stage. They received a large some of money from their Grandparents for their birthday. They were excited and felt blessed, however, I started to notice something I did not agree with. They would go onto the Internet shopping for what it was they "wanted". Then, I went on and purchased it, had them pay me for it, and all is well, right? No, after receiving the item the excitement only lasted for that day. That evening they were up shopping for what it was they were going to get with the rest of the money. Then, after that came in the mail, we jumped into Grandma's pocket and she told them she would do a half and half deal. If they saved up their money, Grandma would match it. Suddenly my boys were on the computer day and night, anytime they had a free moment, deciding what was next. I did not like this at all, there was no appreciation in their blessings. There was no gratitude towards God. I do not wish my children to get wrapped up in this "I want" stage. I prefer my children to have the gratitude that pleases God.

"Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos into order, confusion into clarity.... It turns problems into gifts, failures into success, the unexpected into perfect timing, and mistakes into important events. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today and creates a vision of tomorrow." ~ Melody Beattie

I have made the decision to have my boys write a gratitude journal. It is a way to train the mind to constantly look for reasons to be grateful. I will encourage the boys to record things they are thankful for. Discussions surrounding the positive aspects of life and especially seemingly negative situations will help the children learn to focus their minds on the good things.

My prayer is my children will grow to "Delight In Simple Things".

Learn to like what does not cost much.
Learn to like reading, conversation, music.
Learn to like plain food, plain service, plain cooking.
Learn to like people, even those who may be different from you.
Learn to shelter your wants simple.
Refuse to be owned and anchored by things and opinions of others.
Learn to like the sunrise and the sunset, the beating of rain on the roof and windows, the gentle fall of snow in winter.
Learn to hold heaven near and dear.
Learn to love God, for He surely loves you.
~Author Unknown

"Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, {so} walk in Him, having been firmly rooted {and now} being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, {and} overflowing with gratitude." Col 2:6-7