10 Reasons to Practice Gratitude
The launch of all things September is almost over, which means Thanksgiving is right around the corner, bringing with it a focus on gratitude.
Are you a little tired of the whole ‘attitude of gratitude’ bandwagon? It might feel tired and perhaps not as enriching as promised. Maybe, you’re just not feeling it.
In my top ten this month I’d like to share with you some reasons why it’s a practice that needs to either get dusted off, renovated, or begun. Let’s look at scripture first.
It’s strongly encouraged. Colossians 4:2 “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.”
It makes us open to receiving what we might otherwise reject. 1 Timothy 4:4-5
Giving thanks in all circumstances puts us in the middle of God’s will for us. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
It’s a way of life for the believer. Colossians 3:15-17 Let the peace of Christ rule…And be thankful.
Thankfulness guards or hearts against rejecting God. Romans 1:21
Maybe you have lists upon lists of all the little things that you’re thankful for and it doesn’t feel like enough. In THIS VIDEO, host Marie Forleo talks about the way we express gratitude and that perhaps we might need an adjustment to our practice.
That part was all for you and your personal practice…but we’re working with kids and need ways to help them develop their own practice of thankfulness.
In the video the study showed that being specific helped foster a deeper sense of gratitude. I love this flower garden (#10) idea, to help children think more deeply, pick one general topic of gratitude for the centre and then use the petals to expand their gratitude. Preschool template
Collage - using the above idea of choosing a single idea and then expanding those grateful thoughts, but using a variety of media and items that represent the heart of gratitude.
Create a gratitude jar, watch this little story video the Gratitude Jar, to understand how gratitude can change our attitude!
And 5!! This idea comes with 2 parts. Last year I shared the idea of a Thanksgiving tree, in this article, the author uses that Thanksgiving tree to create an activity to help younger students work through some of the big emotions that might stand in the way of getting to the Gratitude Garden.
“We always thank God for all of you, remembering you constantly in our prayers.” (Paul, to the church of the Thessalonians)
Resources:
https://alldonemonkey.com/2012/11/02/journey-to-the-gratitude-garden-activity-for-thanksgiving/
My Gratitude Jar - Long Story Shortz - My Gratitude Jar - Written and Narrated by Kristin Wiens
https://positivepsychology.com/gratitude-exercises/
Gratitude: The Most Powerful Practice You’re Not Doing
The Bible - New International Version