“For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” –Matthew 6:21
As a child I remember my mom making me write thank you cards for gifts that we received. I always hated doing them, and would procrastinate until she made me sit down and write them. She would always explain to me that the person who had given me the gift had taken the time to go out and pick this gift out for me, and I was being ungrateful for not wanting to say thank you.
As a mom, and an adult I now understand why my mother made me write those notes, please and thank you are such an important part of gratitude, and it starts with teaching children at a young age. Even toddlers can scribble on a piece of paper or a note, and the parent can write a thank you message.
For as far back as I can remember I have done my best to instill gratitude in my children. Having them help bake cookies or cupcakes for people, and talking about how happy these gifts would make them. We would also talk about what we were thankful for, and what good things had happened to us on a daily basis. I always encourage my children to be generous and help people in need. We would clean out our closets annually, and make sure that the clothes and toys were donated to those in need.
My children went to OCS, and every year they would sponsor a child less fortunate than themselves. They would have the opportunity to go shopping and pick out special presents for the child. They then would have the opportunity to deliver them in person, and see for themselves how happy this made the children.
There are many things that we can do for people to show our gratitude, they don’t have to be big or expensive, and sometimes just sweet words of gratitude are enough to make someone’s day just a little brighter. Giving thanks makes people happier and more resilient. It strengthens relationships, and improves health and reduces stress.
What can you do to make someone’s day a little brighter? Always look for different ways to show gratitude to the people you come in contact with everyday.
Gabrielle Moon, Executive Director, St. Luke’s Children’s Ministries
