Gratitude should be a natural outpouring of our relationship with God. Yet, it’s easy to get caught up in all of the problems of the world or to begin comparing our possessions to those of people wealthier than us. Suddenly, instead of feeling grateful, we can begin feeling whiny, critical and even see ourselves as victims because we can’t immediately have everything we want. We may even forget to thank God when he grants our prayer requests.
A lack of gratitude is also contagious. It only takes one member of your family to begin whining and complaining. Before long, your entire family is miserable. Thankfully, gratitude is contagious, too.
Studies have found gratitude is good for us. It encourages positive thinking and reduces the use of negative words. Gratitude also changes the hormone levels in our body, helping us feel less stressed and happier. Spiritually speaking, gratitude can encourage us to serve others and share our faith. It also serves as a reminder that we don’t deserve the things we have, but they are blessings from God.
There is a fun ongoing activity you can use to encourage gratitude in your home. Create a “graffiti wall” in your home. Place a large piece of paper somewhere where everyone can see it on a daily basis. Try the refrigerator, bathroom mirror or the door everyone uses. (Make sure the paper is thick enough that markers don’t bleed through and ruin what is behind it.) You can even go over the top and paint an entire wall with chalkboard paint.
Talk about the importance of thanking God – even on days that don’t seem so great. For the first few days, find a time when everyone goes together and adds words or drawings to your gratitude wall. Encourage your children to visit the wall at least once a day. Read over past entries and add new ones daily. Pray and thank God for the things on your wall. Ask visitors to your home to add their own entries. Make gratitude contagious. You may just find your family is less stressed and happier, too.