Growing and measuring gratitude

Mustard seed advise(7)

One of my list writing activities for my 6th graders was, Things I am grateful for in 2021. I made them read out loud their list to the rest of the class and the three learners’ lists were quite impressive. Not only are their writing and presenting skills better, but their lists were also the longest.

During the evening that day, my son in fourth grade brought me and his dad a letter in an envelope. It was a letter to thank us for giving him a puppy for his 10 birthday.

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
1 Thessalonians 5:18

The coordinates of gratitude: A Route Through Circumstances

As I pondered on the difference in the ability to show gratitude a concept popped into my mind: The measurement of gratitude. And I asked God: Can gratitude be measured? And then, if gratitude can be measured, it certainly needs to develop or grow.

What is gratitude?

the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.

Many individuals grow up in an environment where gratitude is not being expressed or taught to children. Parents would rather compare and tell their children the” There are others who don’t have food“, for example. I’m guilty of that one and my children never listen or take heed of it!

Basic principles of gratitude to children

1. Involve them

One of our teachers who was paid by the school governing body applied for a vacant position at another school and I was left with an extra subject to the 4th graders, Life orientation. Part of this subject is to teach children dance, so I started teaching them this region’s traditional Nama dance and letting them perform during special events.

2. Showcase their talents and abilities

Some of these learners are not academically strong, but in sport and culture, they are stars. By showcasing their talents, we motivate them to give it a try in things they are not so good at. It grows gratitude in their hearts and they change their way of thinking, their view of life, and their behavior.

3. Include them

We have a huge space for a school garden, but the school cannot afford to appoint a gardener who can make good use of this space. I love gardening and could not resist getting hands-on here during our previous.

I got a few young volunteers who helped with replanting and getting the compost heap going.

When each grade 6 learner presented their lists to the class, I unknowingly measured their gratitude and I put it on a faith scale.

The measure of gratitude made one of the leapers turn back to pay his gratitude to Jesus for healing him from leprosy.

One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice.
Luke 17:15

Prayer

Father

Before even born
Long before
You thought of me

Through the generations
You've waited...
For someone to stand up.

But You raised me up
At your correct timing

That's what I am thankful for
How You o Lord
Decides on my destiny
For You know best

Creator of all!

Father, by You I am loved
Even when dwelled in sin

This I couldn't believe 
Until I found what I seek
And realized that my view of You
Was distorted, falsified

That's another drop of
gratitude
From me to You.

You're amazing!

In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen