Cultivating A Heart of Gratitude
When you have four kids, homeschool, it’s the holiday season, the weather is cooler, and your kids have been sick you can pretty much guarantee that everyone will be a little annoyed with each other. Something about being cooped up in the house and off our regular schedule that really messes with our attitudes. The timing couldn’t have been better since it was Thanksgiving we were celebrating. But I noticed that kindness, nice words, and joy have been in short supply lately.
It’s so easy for me to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life. Being that I’m just naturally realistic and task-focused, I can very easily put feelings, empathy, and joy on the back burner. I’ve realized that this tendency can create a challenging atmosphere, add in the stir-crazy kiddos and everyone in our house has been a little negative.
It was clear that we needed to shift our focus and cultivate a heart of gratitude within our family.
So last week I had heard enough bickering from the kids and decided to stop everything we were doing and focus on what God’s word said about our struggles. We began by sitting down for an open discussion. I encouraged everyone to share their feelings, thoughts, or anything they wanted to express. This was a safe space for the kids to voice their concerns and frustrations.
Following our discussion, I led a Bible study about the power of our words and how we treat others. We reflected on the profound impact our words can have, and how kindness can transform not only our interactions but also our inner feelings.
One poignant moment came when we talked about the concept of “the last time.” I reminded them that we never know when the last time will be that we play cards together, run through the trees with gel blasters, or enjoy a family movie night as a family of 6. I shared my memories of carrying them to bed in their little swaddle sleepers, singing them to sleep with twinkle twinkle twinkle little star, and giving them bubble baths before bed. All while not realizing which time would be the last time I would do those things as their mama. Every day brings new growth, and seasons go by so quickly. This reflection made it clear: every moment counts, and it’s essential to cherish them.
We also explored the idea that gratitude can be found in the small, mundane aspects of our lives. Waking up in a warm home, having our basic needs met, and the privilege of homeschooling allows us to build deep relationships, as siblings are all gifts that deserve our appreciation. Even if it’s during the season of us being home more due to sickness.
As we discussed these points, a shift began to occur. The kids started to express gratitude for the little things, and I noticed a change in their demeanor. It reminded me that true joy comes not from our circumstances but from a heart filled with gratitude.
Cultivating a heart of gratitude is a journey that requires effort and intention. It’s about recognizing the beauty in everyday moments and cherishing them as if they were the last. It’s about understanding that true joy stems from our personal relationship with Jesus. As we become more aware of our blessings and express gratitude for them, we open our hearts to the joy that God has in store for us.
