The game stuck. Even though it is now thirteen years later, the habit remains. There are only two children still at home but they still remember to express appreciation when they get a drink or a meal from the drive through.
On a recent trip to pick up pizza for my son's team, he once again said, "Thanks, Mom, for doing this." I suddenly realized a truth about prayer.
When my children are so quick to thank me for my gifts, I am happy to provide the treat. I even like to surprise them when they aren't expecting it. I wonder if God feels like I do as a parent when He hears His children thank Him for all of His gifts.
But you are a chosen people,
... a people belonging to God,
that you may declare the praises of him
who called you out of darkness
into his wonderful light.
1 Peter 2:9
Does He delight to hear my thanks the same way that I thrill to my children's words of appreciation? Is He eager to surprise me with blessings when I recognize they are a gift from Him?
How often I glimpse the heart of my Heavenly Father by being a parent. Sometimes it is in the blur of the parenting moments that I hear Him speak the loudest.
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Hi Rhodema, I can relate to this. We always say thank-you to each other in our home. I think God is the same too...thanking Him for everything that we've been given...taking nothing for granted. Saying thank you makes so much difference..
ReplyDeleteHi Rhodema,
ReplyDeleteJust like Sarah, I can relate, as we taught our children to be appreciative, by thanking others.
I try to remember to thank the Lord for all He does for me. My desire this year has been to be more thankful, and since we are entering this season as "Thanksgiving", hopefully I will.
Blessings to you,
Sue
Precious.Thank you for this reminder to always give thanks... to the Lord, of course, but also to others. It seems that our world has lost some of its graciousness.
ReplyDeleteI like this idea of this little game. How wonderful that it has continued for so long. Thanks for this reminder of being thankful.
ReplyDeleteHave a great Sunday.
Bethany
Now THIS made me smile!
ReplyDeleteYour daugher's "game" lives on ... and hopefully will inspire lots of families to do the same!
So much truth to what you said. Thanks for sharing it.
ReplyDeleteWe know God wants us to be thankful. When Jesus healed the 10 lepers only one came back to thank him. And he asked where are the other 9. I would not have wanted to be one of the 9. This is a great game and a great lesson for your children.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Charlotte
Rhodema, what an important lesson that we all need to remember!
ReplyDeleteMy daughter tells me thank-you for even the smallest things. I thank the Lord the same way, no matter how small it's big to me. What a great game you have with your children.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Ginger