In February, I wrote about my desire to model and teach prayer to my boys. During bedtime prayers, Bebop would list 3 things from the day he was thankful for. Then we would help him to pray. It went great for most of Lent. Then I got pregnant, and sick, and we moved, and… Life happened. I had mostly forgotten about my goals until last week, when I found a gentle reminder.
About a month ago, I found Erin at Sweetness Itself through the Girl Behind the Blog series. I’ve only been reading her blog for a few weeks, but have found an endless source of encouragement. I picture Erin as a bright ray of sunshine with a southern accent. Two week ago she shared her struggle with maintaining an attitude of thankfulness and asked readers to join her in writing a list of thanks.
I decided to take the challenge with Bebop, but as a daily rather than weekly habit. Each morning (so far we’ve done this as part of our calendar time, I just switched to doing this during breakfast), I ask Bebop to think of one thing he is thankful for. I write it on a small white board (target dollar spot, comes in a pack of 4) and we take a picture.
L: Today I am thankful for toast with butter! R: Today I am thankful for my new shirt
I don’t think I will ever stop being amazed at how children see the world. Such simple things, like a new t-shirt or toast for breakfast, becomes a source of true joy and thankfulness. It has been a great reminder and caused a huge shift in my attitude. Instead of giving in to my fatigue and impatience with my children, I have found that I have a much calmer and more grateful attitude. We are a very blessed family, and I have really remembered that this past week.
L: Today I am thankful that God made me. R: Today I am thankful for our new house.
On Sunday morning, Bebop pulled out a profound reflection, “I am thankful God made me.” God knows just how to use my children to minister to me. I am also thankful that God made Bebop, and Magoo, and Doodad. I’m thankful God made Jared, and brought us together. I’m thankful for my extended family, and the support and encouragement they provide from the other side of the country.
L: Today I am thankful that God made me. R: I wanted to take a picture too!
It’s also wonderful to see Magoo wanting to be just like his brother. I know he doesn’t understand the point of what we’re writing down every day, but he wants to take a picture anyway.
If you are looking for some encouragement today, take a few moments to read Erin’s blog. Or you can follow the conversation on instagram or twitter by following the tag #thankfulsweetness.
(I joined twitter a while ago and got overwhelmed with the fast pace of the conversations. I’m still trying to figure it out. If you use twitter, you can say Hi to me @forthisseason.)
Beautiful