The Foundation of Thankfulness

There are times, as a mother, that your heart melts into a puddle of joy. When you know your hard work is paying off. When you see a reflection of what you are hoping to embody in your little one. I work to set an example of thankfulness for my children. I fall short often but strive consistently to be thankful for what we have been given. Thankfulness sets a strong foundation in the lives of little ones. A foundation that will be built upon for years and years.

Often Little Girl looks up at me, and simply states "Thank you mom". Not after a cue or direction, but on her own. It's a simple, expected, gesture and response. She knows to say it not only because we taught her, but because she means it. It's the gratitude behind her words that melts me. I am so proud of her, proud of the little girl she is becoming. There is so much more for her to learn, understand, and exemplify, but this is the ground work, the foundation upon which we can build. Much more work is to be done, but I know that the foundation is strong and for that I am thankful.

As Little Guy gets older I see how the teachable moments can get lost in the rush of the day. Having two kiddos is a whole different ball game. But I want this joy brought to my heart from him, too! I want to teach him the Fruits of the Spirit. I want him to be grateful and kind, and he will be. I want that foundation to be firm for him as well. But I need to be here. In the moment. Teaching him daily. Even this early on, to say please and thank you. To begin to understand what it means to be thankful. 

I need to focus more on this, it was easier to do with just one child. But I will. Because these are the things that matter. The things that form my children into the respectable human beings that I desire them to be.