Primary Teacher, Year 2
In Year 2 we end our day by taking a few moments to reflect on and respond to this request. Answers often relate to lessons they have enjoyed, people they have had fun playing with or special events that made the day memorable. We then take time to thank God for those parts of our day that have been a blessing. You see, no matter what happens, there is always something to be grateful for. It is important to remember where all these good things come from. Without our God ordaining it, not one of us would take a breath, have a heartbeat or be able to exist.
One of the best things about thankfulness is that the more you choose it, the easier it gets. The more you profess gratitude, the more you notice things to be grateful for. The thankful muscle responds to exercise.
Katie Taylor, World Vision
Here at Kuyper, God has given us many things to be thankful for.
Lately in my class we have been going a little deeper than just being thankful for the things that we liked. We go on to consider the things that have challenged us and then taught us or helped us grow. It is in the waiting that we learn to be patient. Not giving up when something is hard to learn or master teaches perseverance (as well as the concept that we were struggling with). By withholding a sharp answer, we practise our self-control. These things are not fun or enjoyable but they help us learn and grow, they are definitely blessings. They are things to be thankful for.
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
In Colossians 3:15-17 we read “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 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 (emphasis mine). Without a doubt, what I am most grateful for is Jesus Christ and all that He has done for me (and everyone else) through his death and resurrection. If that was all He ever did, then I would still have reason to be grateful. It is absolutely amazing that God still adds more things every day to my list of things to be grateful for. When we have the peace of Jesus in our lives, thankfulness overflows. Even when life is not as we would have it, or it feels out of control, we can still praise God for hope, freedom and forgiveness. We can be grateful for God’s sovereignty and His promise to never leave us.
Gratitude is something God would have us practise so that we become the people He wants us to be.
So I encourage you to take a moment or two to reflect and ask “What was good about today?“