My Spirit FM 90.5 | Pass the Gratitude - Pray Always
In the book Awakening Joy for Kids, the authors highlight the importance of finding joy in difficult times. "It's important for us to breed joy in our lives not to avoid the inevitable difficulties, but to meet them with strength and compassion. . .The more we understand suffering and are willing to come to terms with it, the greater the possibility of developing a mind that is not afraid of the hard stuff when it comes-because underneath the pain lies wisdom, compassion and love that can open to it."
As Christians, this should be an easy idea for us to understand and incorporate. It is a part of our very fabric. "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds" James 1:2-4 But yet, during the trial it can be so difficult to say thank you—and mean it! With your child (or by yourself), go through the alphabet and for each letter, give God praise and tell him what you are thankful for: A: All you can eat buffets (it is about the baby steps!) B: Beaches C: Christ Jesus. . .You get the idea!
Recognizing the gifts you have received and giving thanks to God is a wonderful way to cultivate gratitude, it is also a great way to incorporate prayer into your daily family routine if you haven't already. Here are some great tips on how to start praying together as a family.
For younger children, this coloring book from the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia may help them to understand and participate in family prayer.
Get Writing | Pray Always | Volunteering (Your Time, Talent and Treasure)
