Cultivating a Life of Gratitude Involves More Than Tit for Tat (Gratitude Series)

“What does a life of gratitude look like when your days are gritty, long, and sometimes dark? What is God providing here and now?”
—Ann Voskamp, One Thousand Gifts

In hindsight, I would have done it differently. Teaching my children gratitude lay forefront in my mind as they grew. But the way I taught it looked more like tit for tat then true thankfulness. 

At that time, though, that’s how I thought about it. Being grateful meant you’ve received something you appreciate and express that appreciation. When one of the boys received a birthday gift, I expected them to say “thank you.” Still today, I coach Rachel to say and sign thank you when someone compliments her or gives her something. It’s common courtesy. 

But what if you don’t see anything to be grateful for? What about in those dark seasons when nothing seems worthy of your appreciation? What about those times when your burdens and grief bear so heavy, you struggle simply to get out of bed?

The Apostle Paul says to be thankful in those times too (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). How is that possible? 

A Life of Gratitude

Being thankful during the storms of our lives becomes possible when our gratitude runs deeper than tit for tat … when it has become an expression of faith … an expression of our trust in a God who has promised to never leave us or forsake us. 

Being thankful during the storms of our lives becomes possible when our gratitude runs deeper than tit for tat ... when it has become an expression of our trust in a God who has promised to never leave us or forsake us. Share on X

Teaching our children to reply appropriately when presented with a gift or kind word remains a worthy lesson. But, more so, helping them develop a deep trust in God will propel them to live a life of gratitude, even when a gift isn’t readily evident. 

Helping our children develop a deep trust in God will propel them to live a life of gratitude, even when a gift isn't readily evident. Share on X

“Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in everything; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, CSB

Reflections: If you have children, how did you teach them gratitude? If you don’t have kiddos, what did your parents or grandparents do well in teaching you thankfulness?