We live in a society where it’s typical to complain, compare our lives to others, and spend our time going after what we want in an unhealthy manner. But does this really make us happier? Studies show that it’s much better to have an attitude of gratitude and be thankful for what we have.
Having an attitude of gratitude benefits us in different ways. Physically, it helps us have improved immune systems, fewer aches and pains, lower blood pressure, and can help us wake up refreshed after a good night’s sleep. It impacts our mental health by helping us feel more positive emotions, be more alert and awake, and have an increased feeling of happiness. An attitude of gratitude also helps us be more kind, generous, compassionate, and forgiving.
Are you looking to foster a spirit of gratitude in your family this Thanksgiving?
Here are some great ideas to give it a try:
1. Memorize Bible Verses About Thankfulness
We often forget that everything we have is given to us by God. He owns all of it. It’s easy to forget this when we live in a “me” society where people thrive on what they can do for themselves to get ahead. Have your family memorize two or three Bible verses about thankfulness to remind them to thank God for all they have. Here are some verses to get you started:
“Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Jesus Christ.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18, NLT)
“Don’t worry about anything, instead pray about everything. Tell God what you need and be thankful for all he has done.” (Philippians 4:6, NLT)
"And the peace that comes from Christ will rule in your hearts. For as members of one body, you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.” (Colossians 3:15, NLT)
“Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation.” (Psalm 100:4-5, NLT)
“Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow.” (James 1:17, NLT)
“And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to him through God the Father.” (Colossians 3:17, NLT)
“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.” (Psalm 136:1, NLT)
“If I can thank God for the food and enjoy it, why should I be condemned for eating it? So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:30-31, NLT)
“But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Christ Jesus.” (1 Corinthians 15:57, NLT)
“I will thank the Lord because he is just; I will sing praise to the name of the Lord Most High.” (Psalm 7:17, NLT)
2. Start a Gratitude Journal
Have everyone start a gratitude journal and write 3-5 things every day that they are thankful for. It can be something as big as getting a promotion or passing a hard test to remembering to bring an umbrella because it was going to rain.
3. Wake Up Grateful
Teach your family to wake up grateful. First thing every morning, thank God he woke you up for another day. Thank him for what he has in store for you today and ask him for his wisdom and guidance.
4. Make a Gratitude Jar
Decorate a jar and put it in an area of the home that is easily accessible. Add a pen and a notepad. Every day from now until Thanksgiving, everyone writes something they are thankful for and puts it in the jar. Then, on Thanksgiving, you can open it and read all the notes.
5. Give Everyone a Gratitude Envelope
This is a great idea if you are hosting dinner. Decorate an envelope for the back of each guest’s chair. When guests arrive, give them each a notepad and have them write something they appreciate about each person. Then put each comment in the correct person’s envelope. After dinner, you can all sit around and talk about how much you appreciate each other.
6. Write a Thank You Note as a Family
Choose a person or a family that you know and write them a thank you note as a family. Every member can write their own message and then mail or hand deliver it.
7. Share on Social Media
Give shout-outs to friends and family members on social media and tell the world what you appreciate about them. Don’t forget to tag them so they will see it.
8. Give Thanks Every Time You Eat
As you sit down for Thanksgiving dinner, give thanks for your food. Instead of your traditional blessing, you could choose a friend or family member to write a special blessing to share.
9. Make a Gratitude Board
Buy a bulletin board, post-it notes, and push pins or a whiteboard with dry-erase markers. Place it where everyone can see it. Each week, write or pin what you are thankful for and discuss it every Friday night over dinner from now until Thanksgiving and beyond.
10. Celebrate Others
Take a friend to lunch, compliment a stranger, text someone a random thank you, and celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, and other milestones. It’s fun to celebrate others and let them know how grateful you are for them and how much they mean to you.
11. Go for a Gratitude Walk Together
Take a stroll in your neighborhood and appreciate the surrounding beauty. Focus on your breathing and aim for a state of calm. You can appreciate anything from a gorgeous sunrise or sunset, children laughing in the distance, or the scent of a freshly mowed lawn.
12. Be Compassionate
It’s important to be compassionate to yourself and others. Even if something didn’t work out, be grateful that you had the opportunity.
13. Serve the Homeless
Distribute food to the homeless people in your area. Get some lunch fixings like bread, deli meat, cheese, bags of chips, fruit (apples, bananas, oranges, pears, etc), individual packs of cookies, bottled water, and brown lunch sacks. Pack several lunches and then take a drive around your town and bless someone with a meal.
You could also make bags with toiletries like toothbrushes, travel-size toothpaste, deodorant, body spray, antibacterial wipes, feminine products, band-aids, and antibiotic treatment, etc. to pass out as well.
While serving, thank God that he blessed you with the means to help other people.
14. Volunteer to Rock or Cuddle Babies
This is a great opportunity for adults and older teenagers in your family. Many hospitals have programs where you can go in and rock or cuddle babies, especially those in the NICU. This is a way to provide comfort and emotional support to babies when their parents can’t be there. It can also foster gratitude for the healthy children in your life.
Typically, there are certain requirements that need to be met, like passing background checks, having a medical screening, and committing to a certain schedule. If you’re interested in volunteering, call your local hospital to find out if they have a program like this and what the requirements are.
There are many ways you can foster a spirit of gratitude in your family this Thanksgiving. Take some time and decide how you are going to embrace that spirit of gratitude this year.
Photo Credit: © Getty Images/skynesher