GRATEFULNESS vs. Unthankfulness

Definition: Letting others know by my words and my actions how they have benefited my life.

Object lesson from nature: The porcupine.

Porcupines have poor eyesight but an excellent sense of smell. God has equipped them to survive by providing them with quills and the ability to smell their way through the forests where they live. Porcupines get a bad rap!

People think they are mean and aggressive but in reality these very interesting animals are passive and use their quills as a defensive measure only. The porcupine isn’t beautiful like the deer, brave like the lion or strong like the elephant, but it finds time to sing its strange humming song because God has created it with all that it needs to survive. 

We have a choice when things do not go the way we would like them to go. We can choose to complain and gripe or we can be grateful for what has happened to us. The decision to be grateful is not a matter of the circumstances but a decision we can all make.

Application: Here are five practical ways to demonstrate gratefulness:

·        I will show my parents and teachers that I appreciate them.

·        I will write thank you notes.

·        I will take care of my things.

·        I will be content with what I have.

·        I will count my blessing rather than my burdens.

This material is gathered from the Character First Education series, Volume 1.  It can be purchased at the Character First!® website.