Parenting on PointSample

Cultivating a Heart of Gratitude

Gratitude is a powerful tool in the life of a parent. It shifts our focus from what is lacking or challenging to what is present and beautiful in our lives. Gratitude is not just a feeling; it’s a choice we make every day. When we choose gratitude, we open our hearts to God’s goodness and teach our children to do the same.

Something we loved to do regularly when the kids were little was sit around the dinner table as a family and ask each family member to share something they were thankful for from that day. We still love to do this as much as all our kids, their spouses, and our grandkids are able. Back then, everyone was worn out, and even the smallest frustrations seemed to snowball, creating a sense of heaviness in our home. It seemed like, for some of them, finding something positive was a stretch.

Slowly, one by one, they began to share something they were thankful for, whether it was that the family dog had licked their face and made them laugh or that a friend had helped them with a difficult assignment at school. Grace shared her thankfulness for the small joys of that day—a warm cup of tea and a brief but meaningful conversation with a friend. As each person spoke, the atmosphere of our home began to change. The earlier complaints just seemed to lift, and this simple act of gratitude had unlocked peace and perspective in the hearts of our children.

We started calling these “thankful prayers,” and most of our dinners together for years included various family members saying aloud what they were thankful for as a form of prayer. This changed the atmosphere of our dining room table and made family mealtimes something to look forward to with expectation.

Parenting can feel like a lot, especially when life gets busy and challenges keep coming. In the chaos, it’s easy to grumble instead of giving thanks. When that happens, it’s a sign to slow down, pray, and let the Lord readjust our hearts.

Gratitude draws us closer to God. It keeps our hearts soft and our spirits open to His leading. When we are thankful, we are less likely to complain or become discouraged. Gratitude is an act of worship that acknowledges God’s sovereignty and goodness in our lives.

Take a moment to notice where discouragement or complaints have crept in. Ask God to fill those places with gratitude. A thankful heart brings joy, honors God, and shifts the atmosphere of your home, bringing peace that blesses your whole family.

Dear Lord, thank You for the gift of my children and for every opportunity to grow and learn with them. Help me to have a heart of gratitude in all circumstances, seeing Your goodness in every detail of our lives. Teach me to model thankfulness to my children so that we may live in the joy of Your presence. In Jesus' name, Amen.