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Show T r -W " I'i is v 'N i A VN j! t-t ' i :i I JL ! U H m I IS TAKING . TIME' TOGETHER TO BE THANKFUL 6v Duane S. Crowther ot , . If' Thanksgiving dinner! As we gathered around the table, our children made the discovery their plates were empty except for a few kernels of parched corn. 01 "What's this, Mom? Where's the food?" Here was one of those precious teaching moments my wife would occasionally I -ite. In that special setting, with the aroma of hot turkey and all the traditional h.nmy ikvorites drifting in from the kitchen to heighten their senses, Jean briefly told the story of the Pilgrims arrival in the Americas and of the hardships they endured during their first winter. She contrasted then and now, and reminded our young family of the many things for which they should be thankful. Her introduction changed the atmosphere from one of feasting and fun, and made the meal an expression of gratitude - for the good life we enjoy. Our children have remembered that event, and parched corn ' 11 has appeared at other Thanksgiving dinners down through the years. 1 M Take time to be thankful! That's a lesson we've learned, and an experience that continues to bring us growth and joy in our home and family. rattitude of appreciation and gratitude for the good things of life doesn't grow m a J? child autcmatically-it requires good teaching and careful parental guidance. Every amily needs to focus on the quality of thankfulness, fostering an appreciative attitude among its members. As that spirit grows, love and greater concern for others is the I "tlZl strengthen your family, create teaching moments that focus on thankfulness as each holiday rolls around. Review the history of those events the - ho iday o-memorates, contrasting circumstances then with the situation you now - en ov On the Fourth of July, review our struggle for independence and point out the enjoy, unmeru j opportunity to focus on the great : - ' cZatZ d" " :W L fill leaning from sacred days such as Christmas and Easter too too busy tQ enjoy a pleasant Take time to be Jful for beauty and A drive in the .tunity next yea, But remember that fi elrrsTntsto" eyes and plan a little time together; , conveniences-loeS your family take . And what about our modern invention and conse thPm for granted, or does 1 enjoy hond have them reminisce about evening with some of the old folk 3 inth en Ql how things were before we had eie r . convenicnceSt try better yet, why not have t warm without a furnace. That will lend to cook in the fireplace, and keep oura II perspective in a hurry! ( , Jocal museum would help your children to , Maybe a "hundred years ago ufe ?oint out the implements of daily J appreciate letter the advantage 01 n irnagine how life was then. living which were used a century ago an Q Mp us ful!y J Sometimes it takes a visit to ane 1 . & driye throuph some of the poorer p recognize the blessing of good neaii . children to better antedate the neighborhoods in the nearby J&Ve me t0 pve thesc perspectives to pleasant circumstances in wh'chjUtie8 in VOur own mind. your children, and to renew thee real for le 3 Do we sometimes forget the people ho ha eplov. the neighbors, the teacher,, the ou, q ard cf,,c , friends, the parents, our mates . Take t cf fk; why nPl ha, P . 0 your appreciation with a card, a ofbrt ? po ti,, th,n th, f famUy baking party to prepare the iten, 1 Thanksgiung season. h bnn?? jxtive and joy into "J A Being truly thankful is an attitude th g fwj.joRt f lhKr A Ufe. Be sure to teach your children And a;Iow time, each day to I speech, and renew your own use of " thee ypuf for 8-1 H, xi remember Him from whom ail - ' f , kindnesses and love to us all. provides slip aay. Count our r,.,..,-. So don't let the opportunity th ao J' and take time to be truly thanktui- 0"Vr-- v i . ' j X . x . - -. ' ' - .-"ZTTlZl.- ' ""V."" r '' ' ; - -"- ' ; 1 . t 1 -- - . s .-- - 11-- - - J a ' 1 - , : , Vivv. . -v 1 - i |
