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Are You Too BUSY to Say Thanks?
Christian thoughts on every day parenting.
by Donna Shepherd
All materials copyrighted
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And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
- Colossians 3:17 niv
Have you been to a child’s birthday party where the child is barely visible behind the mound of gifts? You take yours and add it to the
pile. When it’s time to open gifts, that kid can tear through gift-wrap paper like a piranha going for a t-bone.
Afterwards, as you head home, you turn to your own child and ask, “Did you see Josh open our gift? Did he like it?”
Who knows? You may get a scribbled generic thank you note later, but don’t hold your breath. I’m afraid even most adults don’t take time
these days to express thanks – and I’m scolding myself here!
Nothing has really changed in hundreds of years since Jesus walked on earth. Look at Luke 17:11-19. On His way to Jerusalem, Jesus met
ten men with leprosy. They stood at a distance and yelled, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!”
Jesus told them to go to the temple, and as they went, they discovered they had been healed. How many came back to thank Jesus? One. A
solitary soul.
I’d like to think that this one man had a parent who taught him thankfulness!
Pause To Appreciate
In our fast-paced world, it’s tempting to let it slide when our children don’t bother to say ‘thank-you.’ You know they meant to say it,
right? Maybe, maybe not. It takes time and consistency to develop and model this attitude. Pause for those few seconds. Make a point of
saying thanks when someone opens a door for you or hands you the menu in a restaurant.
All children start out self-centered, and though it may be a tiring task, we parents work diligently to teach our children to think
beyond themselves. When our child receives something, how often do we say, “What do you say?” I’m sure I’ve prompted my children with
this phrase at least a thousand times.
Force A Fast
Perhaps if your children have to do without something that they are used to taking for granted, they will develop a thankful attitude
when you restore that privilege.
God doesn’t answer every prayer with lightning speed, does He? Many times, we are most thankful when God answers after we have prayed
for a long time.
Model Thanks-living
- Begin every day with thanks.
If you begin each day with a prayer expressing your grateful attitude to God, you will be more aware of the blessings that come your way
all day.
- Begin every prayer with thanks.
It’s very tempting to begin our prayer with, “Oh, God, I need…” or “Jesus, could you please…” and never pause to bless God for His
faithfulness.
- End every day with thanks.
The apostle Paul wrote, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he
has done” (Philippians 4:6 nlt).
Whether the day has been good or bad, praise God. Show your child that you are indeed a grateful child of God.
BUSY Parents Tip
Make a “Blessing Box.” Tonight, either during dinner or before bed, ask your children to tell you something for which they are thankful.
Write it down and put it in the box. Occasionally, perhaps after one of those bad days, take a few moments to review and thank God for
His many blessings.
About The Author:
Donna J. Shepherd is the author of Topsy Turvy Land
and a contributing author to Anytime Prayers for Everyday Moms.
From bird watching to the Beatitudes, her writing touches the heart with wisdom and humor while feeding the mind with
daily portions of God's Word. Read more of her writing at Donna J. Shepherd.
Information provided in this column is for entertainment purposes only.
The information in this column is not meant to be taken as legal, medical, or professional advice.
Read legal disclaimer.
* This column is available for your publication, for a F-E-E.
This column may NOT be reprinted without monetary compensation and written permission from the author.
For reprint rights or comments/questions about this article, please contact the author.
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