Wednesday, November 21, 2007

Five Days of Gratitude-Day 4

Every night when we are putting the girls to bed, we go through the same routine: jammies, teeth, book, and prayer. During prayer time, we start with a little children's prayer that I helped Padyn memorize last year (Be though with me...) and then I ask her what she is thankful for. It has taken about a year for her to say something other than "nothing" or "I don't know." Now she will actually list a few things out. The amazing thing is Kate gets it. As soon as we say, "What are you thankful for today?" she says, "Papa." Then together, they list all the other things and people that we are going to thank God for that evening. Here's their typical list. When it comes to the objects, you can probably figure out who is thankful for what.

Papa
Ducky
Paci
BooBoo
Mimi
Grandpa
Mommy
Daddy
Kate
Padyn
BonBon
Grandma
Grandpa Lane
Josh
Emily
Owen

The list varies, but these are the usuals. If Bella or Coley happen to be visiting, they are on the list. Auntie and Auntie Erica were on it this weekend since they were staying here. So was Baby Abby.

I'm hoping that one day they add more abstract things that they have to be grateful for. Like the freedoms that the country we live in provides. Or the immense wealth we are blessed with that most of the rest of the world can't comprehend. For food on the table everyday, a shelter over their heads, family and friends that love and care about them, and the opportunity to try almost anything they want to attempt.

Someday. For now I'm happy that they know to be thankful that people and things that they love.

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