The Tree of Thanksgiving!
This tree was made by one of the teachers at the school I volunteer at and students contributed the various ‘Thanksgiving Leaves’: teachers, principal, friends, food, parents, pastor, faith, school, freedom, earth, education, and loved ones in Heaven. As I looked at this, I was in awe of the depth and broad array of gifts the young students listed.
I am grateful for all the parents, extended family, friends, teachers, religious leaders and significant others in these student’s lives who have taught and inspired these young people to understand what it means to be ‘thankful’ for the important things in life. No one said ‘my toys’!
It is really encouraging to see the students thinking in this manner as youth, building the foundation for continuing an attitude of gratefulness as young adults. Unfortunately, sometimes, it takes us adults a long time journeying through various experiences to reach down and find that attitude of gratefulness we were in touch with as young children. I know my own level of gratitude has changed over the years to include daily active statements of gratitude, each morning before my feet hit the floor.
“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend.” (Melody Beattie)
What leaves would you put on your ‘Thanksgiving Tree’?
PURPOSE, JOY AND POSITIVES PJP 