The Thankful Tree

November is always a month that brings about a mind focused on Thankfulness and reflection on all that the Lord provides.  I see a lot of posts on Facebook and friends blogs sharing about things that they are thankful for and blessing from the Lord, especially as Thanksgiving approaches.   So, how do I live a life in a way that speaks the praises, goodness and mercy of God?  How can you remember to praise the Lord for both the big things in life and the little everyday mercies, gifts and blessings?  Like it says in Psalm 105: 1-5a 

"Oh give thanks to the Lord; 

call upon his name; 

make known his deeds among the peoples! 

Sing to him, sing praises to him; 

tell of his wondrous works! 

Glory in his holy name; 

let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice!  

Seek the Lord and his strength; 

seek his presence continually!  

Remember the wondrous works that he has done..."  

I wanted to find a way to start to teach Neal about the importance of giving thanks and praising God each and everyday of our lives.  So, we stated a "Thankful Tree" at our house.  The idea is simple, each morning while we eat breakfast I have Neal pick a leaf out of the cup and then tell me something he is thankful for that day.  At first, Neal didn't really understand so I gave him a few examples, finally he started to get the idea.

Some days he says the first thing that he sees around him, like "my milk" or "my doggie jammies".   We are working on thinking about all the things that the Lord gives us and the people who love us and as I help direct his thinking he has been able to think of some really great blessings and gifts God has given him.

Grandma & Poppa, GiGi & Grandfather, and Puppy were among one of the first things to be put on our Thankful Tree.   We also have a few other more random things such as "my bat & baseball" or "Adam & Eve".   It has been a great way to begin teaching Neal about how everything we have comes from God.  Lately at random times Neal will come up to me and ask to put a leaf on the tree or will talk about the things that he remembers putting on the tree.

It has been a great way to start our day off focusing on God, the giver of all things.  It has helped to focus my mind on the gifts and mercies of God which makes my heart more thankful, caring and gracious to Neal, Tyler and others that I interact with during the day.