Giving thanks is powerful. Next week we will gather with family and friends to celebrate thankfulness on a day set aside for that purpose. I love it. I love being with the ones I love. I love breaking bread together. I love cooking and laughing with my mom and sisters. The memories of brisk walks between turkey and pies fill our conversation. The year my grandfather was showing off his powerwalking skills and gave my sister a bloody nose is a favorite. It is often easy to give thanks on this day as the holiday itself focus’ on the gifts we have.

But what about the other 364 days in the year?

Some days are filled with sweetness and joy. Laughter dances easily from our lips. The rhythm of the day falls naturally into place and our minds easily sees the goodness of God in our lives.

In these days, thankfulness flows easily from our hearts.

Other days our heart is empty. The tears always ready to spill over and run down our face. We struggle to understand circumstances in our lives or the lives of those around us. Laughter and joy feel far away and we wonder where God’s goodness is.

Thankfulness is the last thing on our mind.

How do we grow a home that is filled with gratitude in all circumstances? 
How do we raise children who recognize goodness in all circumstances of life?

We Start Cultivating a Heart of Thankfulness in Ourselves.

We cannot teach what we do not do. If we do not practice gratitude ourselves, how can we expect it from our children? Our kids are watching us. They listen to our words, consider our actions and reactions, and learn from what they see.

Thankfulness is a powerful way to live. Through a sacrifice of thanksgiving, we worship our Creator.

What does cultivating a heart of thankfulness look like for you?
How do you focus your mind and your heart on the gifts, no matter the circumstances?

Develop rhythms of thankfulness as a family.

Thankfulness is a position of the heart that flows out in our words and actions. To develop a rhythm of thankfulness in your family, it helps to be intentional.

A few years ago, we were going through an exceptionally rough season as a family. Life looked very bleak and I was struggling to see good anywhere. But I desperately wanted to know God's goodness, even in this dark season. I knew it would not come easy. I knew it was something I needed to be intentional about. For about three months, my boys and I shared three things we were thankful for each night before bed. 

My boys love numbers and they love challenges. We are challenging ourselves to write down 100 things we are thankful for without repeats between now and thanksgiving. I’m looking forward to the conversations we will have and the focusing of our hearts this activity will bring as we enter the Christmas season. Maybe you would like to join us? I’ll be posting some of my favorites on my Facebook Page, as I’m sure there will be some great ones from my boys. I'd love to hear yours!

How will you develop rhythms of thankfulness in your family?
What special thing can you do during this season of thankfulness that can reset your family’s hearts and speech?

If you take one thing away from this post, please take this. Thankfulness is a beautiful, powerful, yet highly intentional way to live. In this season of thankfulness, take a moment to pause, make your self a cup of tea and find a quiet moment to consider how you grow hearts of thankfulness in you and in your family. 

Hannah is mama to two school age boys, an early childhood educator and a PCI Certified Parent Coach®. She loves people and would love to talk to you about any parenting challenge that keeps you up at night or makes you pull your hair out. Click here to set-up your FREE phone consultation or call 503-805-9021.