Thankful Rocks
A month after the rush of Christmas presents, sometimes a general discontentment sets in. The novelty of the new wears off, the winter months begin to drag on, and we begin to hear, “I want…” Gratitude and contentment are difficult to teach children, especially those who have not been deprived of the necessities of life. But thankfulness is an integral part of our faith. As people created by God, we give God thanks for God’s steadfast love in all circumstances.
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Read It
Psalm 118:1 O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his steadfast love endures forever. -NRSV |
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Do It
Our children’s grandparents gave them a Little Critter (Mercer Mayer) book called “Being Thankful”.
In it, Little Critter has a general spirit of discontentment - he gets an ice cream cone, but his friend gets an ice cream Sunday, he wants a new scooter instead of his old one...sound familiar? His parents send him to his grandparents, who give him a “thankful rock,” a painted rock to carry in his pocket that reminds him to be grateful for what he has. We tried the following with our pre-schooler, and while it hasn’t been magic, it has given us something to point to, a reminder and common language for practicing contentment.
Our children’s grandparents gave them a Little Critter (Mercer Mayer) book called “Being Thankful”.
In it, Little Critter has a general spirit of discontentment - he gets an ice cream cone, but his friend gets an ice cream Sunday, he wants a new scooter instead of his old one...sound familiar? His parents send him to his grandparents, who give him a “thankful rock,” a painted rock to carry in his pocket that reminds him to be grateful for what he has. We tried the following with our pre-schooler, and while it hasn’t been magic, it has given us something to point to, a reminder and common language for practicing contentment.
- Gather a few small stones, one for each member of your family, and some paints.
- Paint each stone a different color or design, so each person has their own distinctive rock.
- Read the scripture passage together, and name God’s gifts - food, shelter, creativity, love of family, and most of all, God’s love for you that never ends. Get specific with your family - certain things or people you’re grateful for.
- Give each person their rock. When we start to want more than we have, we feel this rock in our pockets, or get it out and look at it, and remember that while it’s okay to want things, we also need to be contented with what we have - and grateful for God’s love and good gifts.
Pray It
God, you have given us many good gifts. Thank you for always loving us. Help us remember to be thankful. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
God, you have given us many good gifts. Thank you for always loving us. Help us remember to be thankful. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Extras
Reasons and tips for practicing gratitude with children
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/andrea-reiser/11-tips-for-instilling-true-gratitude-in-your-kids_b_4708019.html
Reasons and tips for practicing gratitude with children
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/andrea-reiser/11-tips-for-instilling-true-gratitude-in-your-kids_b_4708019.html