Rejoicing in the Lord This Thanksgiving

Can you believe that the holiday season is almost here? It seems like this year has gone by so fast! I think we all say that every year, but time never seems to wait for us, does it?

Thanksgiving is such a wonderful holiday because we can take just one day out of the year to be grateful and appreciate all the things that we’ve been blessed with over the past 12 months. I think we often get so busy with life that we forget just how blessed we truly are. When we break it down into individual blessings, there’s really no end to the list of things we should thank God for. Every breath, every day we’re able to live is a beautiful gift.

I think that our kids also tend to take things for granted sometimes. It’s so easy for them to be overwhelmed with the pressures of the world, as well as their lack of experience in life not letting them see the bigger picture. Try to involve your children in your Thanksgiving celebration as much as possible this year. Doing some activities with the whole family is a great way to help them appreciate all of their blessings in a greater way!

Here are some ideas for involving your kids in your Thanksgiving plans.

Family devotions

This is an easy and effective way to get into the Thanksgiving spirit. When you read God’s Word it’s hard not to be thankful! Here are some great verses to read together this Thanksgiving.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 – In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

Psalms 28:7 – The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.

1 Thessalonians 1:2 – We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers;

Psalms 107:1 – O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.

Thanksgiving Exercises

• Have each family member name one thing that he or she appreciates about each of the other family members.
• Have all family members take turns giving specific blessings they’ve experienced in the past week.
• Work as a family to think of specific things you’re thankful for that begin with each of the letters of the word “Thanksgiving.”

Check out our Fall/Winter Planning packet, a free printable packet containing a treasure trove of resources to help you keep your holiday season organized.

I hope that this Thanksgiving is a huge blessing to you and your whole family. Have a wonderful rest of the week, and happy homeschooling!