Passed-Down Gratitude
- Abbey Parsley
- Nov 21, 2024
- 2 min read
“Kids hear what we say and do what they see.”
“Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.” Proverbs 22:6
Listening, hearing, being peaceful out in this spot on my screened-in porch. I’m drawn here often for its tranquility. Marveling at creation in all its splendor of colors. Even in the colder months I bundle up and sit. The doggie is close by, always under foot, wanting to be near. God meets me here each time, always close, also wanting to be near, always wanting to be in company with me.
In this quiet my heart speaks from a place of gratitude to Him. I lift thankfulness for His closeness, the provisions He gives and also the blessings He undeservedly pours. The importance of this gratitude, and how to teach my kids that importance, is at the forefront of my mind. Kids hear what we say and do what they see. I’m saying the words but am I showing them as well? Are they absorbing gratitude? The only way to absorb is to saturate their environment, yes?
My phone starts dinging with text notifications. I am the Funeral Meal Director at our church and there’s a meal need. I acquired this role after the passing of my niece when so many people filled the gaps, providing food for after the service when our hearts were hurting. I was so grateful for their service to my family, that I wanted to be that for others.
Gratitude, being grateful, is not only a feeling but an action as well. A response. Teaching by doing.
My kids ask me about this ministry; who the families are that I’m serving, what they’re like, how the meal went, etc. And I tell them all about it; passing down gratitude so that when they are old they will not turn from it. When I look at this passed-down gratitude, I realize that’s how I got here too; by watching my family, watching my friends, and watching other moms.
Action Steps:
Include your kids/grandkids in whatever ministry you are a part of. Servitude fosters gratitude.
In what ways can you put your gratitude in action today?
Prayer: Father, we lead our prayers with thankfulness so that’s the first, most important thing we offer to You. Let our words and actions pass down gratitude to our children. Please walk alongside them and allow their eyes to see gratefulness in every ounce of their experiences, letting it be a visual and tangible thing. Help it to shape the whole of their lives so that they always look through the lens of gratitude. Amen
Written by Abbey, a mom grateful for all of you