Conference yukon::christian_v7

193.0. "On (in)Gratitude" by HERIAM::BERNIER (Quit Ye Like Men... 1 Cor 16:13,14) Mon Jul 12 1993 14:54

     Lately, I have noticed a change in attitude im my children. They have
    become more lazy and they complain a LOT. I guess I could have
    dismissed it as children going through a phase, but I always thought
    that the "phase" philosophy of child-rearing to be a bunch of hooey!
    
     It didn't take much to see where this was stemming from. For about 2
    months we have had som family members living with us that are amoung
    the most ungrateful people I have ever met. I believe that my children
    are picking up on the attitude and emulating it. (Why do they always 
    copy BAD behaviour so readliy?)
    
     I have been taking steps to correct the situation, addressing each
    occurance of the attitude as it comes up. But I also want to be more
    pro-active than that, so I have been trying to cultivate an attitude of
    thanksgiving in my family. Both alone with each child and together as a
    family, we have been actively looking for things for which we can give
    thanks to God. 
    
     Last night after the children said their prayers, I had us all sit in
    a circle (our houseguests were out for the evening). I instructed the
    family to thank God for one and only one thing, each taking a turn
    aswe went around the circle. By the third and final time around the circle 
    the children were chomping at the bit for their turn to give thanks. They 
    were upset when we stopped! I was very encouraged that they motly gave
    thanks for things of more eternal value.
    
     We will try it again for at least the next few nights. I want my
    children to get back into the habit and attitude of giving thanks,
    rather than to have a big thanks explosion that has no lasting effect.
    
     I will also be gently confronting our guests concernig their attitude
    and its influence. to be honest I am not expecting them to accept what
    I say, judging by past experience. But who knows what God may do?
    
     I suggest that we each examine the Bible to see what it says the
    results and benefits of a grateful heart are. A wonderful study that I
    did last year and hope to have ready for family devotions by next week.
    
    Gil

	Wonderful stuff, Gil!

	I can't wait until we have a family big enough to create a circle
	(right now, we're more of a triangle ;-)  ).

	Karen

    I do something very similar with my boys... and it's fun ... especially
    when you see the depth of your children's hearts this way.
    
    I often find myself learning great things about my kids, things that
    can get slipped by or neglected because of busy schedules to follow. 
    Stop, Listen and Learn about your children.
    
    Thanks Gilby that was a great reminder and exhortation.
    
    Nancy