Learning to be Thankful
Note: This blog post was written and submitted to me in November. My apologies for not having it published in a timely fashion. Rather than rewrite or change it, I ask for grace and that you read this post in the spirit it was written. Thankfulness is not just for November, but for all year. Please enjoy the following written by Ms. Emily.
In Christ,
Ms. Alisha
November is a special month meant to remember and display our thankfulness daily. In Kindergarten, we create this chance through the use of “thankful jars”. It is a chance for young minds to begin to comprehend what it means to be thankful. We can be thankful for a house that protects us from the weather outside, food to fill our stomachs and help us grow, and loving family and friends that surround us. We can be thankful for things that are extras, like toys, games, and TV too. Our God is such an amazing God that He takes care of our needs daily. There is no reason to worry as He anticipates what we need before we even realize it.
Matthew 6:25-34 puts it best:
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your Heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his slender was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your Heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Isn’t it incredible that our Father above is taking care of us quicker than we realize we need it? It is honestly mind-blowing to me every day, whether it is demonstrated in needs miraculously met, or in just the daily thankfulness of a job that I love that also helps me provide for my family. There was a time in my life where I did not know where I would live or where I would work, but God proved to me that I didn’t need to worry about it. He took care of it quicker than I realized that I needed a new home. He is always watching over us, quick to action when necessary. His Word is always there as well, covering our spiritual needs in every aspect.
God takes care of our needs, but He also calls us to take care of others as well. As we are thankful for everything He gives us, YCS is actively becoming the Body of Christ and moving for Him, through the food drive this month. Donations have already come pouring in, and we are always welcoming more. The food we donate will definitely be received in thankfulness. How can we imagine what it is like without food? We are truly blessed to have it, so we must give to demonstrate our thankfulness in this matter. We make a difference and leave the impression of Jesus’ love for all through providing for those who do not have. God is providing for them through this tiny action.
In addition to donating food, Kindergarten is writing letters to those who will receive them. We plan to make some bracelets as well to not only meet the physical need of food, but to fill the heart with warmth and happiness. It is a wonderful thing to live out our faith in our daily lives, and there is no better way to do it than to be thankful during this month of November.
May everyone stay warm, stay happy, and stay thankful through this wonderful Fall season.
