Did Consistency kill Gratitude?

Everyday my kids wake up to find clean clothes in their drawers. There is breakfast ready for them. They go to a nice school where the teacher has prepared something great for them to learn. And then return again to a warm home where Mom helps them with their homework. They get to play with their friends and go to their various extracurricular activities. After that they enjoy a warm meal at the table with the family at almost exactly 5:30 p.m. every night. Take a bubble bath, have shoulder rides with Dad, and read books. Does this consistency make our everyday blessing seem obsolete? Have we become so spoiled and comfortable with our lives that we forget to look closely and dissect into the many blessings of our lives? I would say I am cheery and optimistic for the most part. In fact I have been accused of being unrealistic with my positive outlook. It would be an interesting experiment to really mix up my family's day with all the things they expect to be missing and to feel a little discomfort. Just for one day. But....

There is that little sincere "thank you" or "I love you" amid all the daily routine and you realize they are grateful. That because you are making their lives safe and predictable those little ones can reach out with gratitude and love. Because they know that they are loved. So maybe consistency is allowing gratitude into their little hearts. The words thank you when said with real intent can go a long way. Gratitude is one of the most important characteristics that will keep us happy.

For family night we made "Thank You" chocolates for our teachers, friends, and family. Nothing says thank you like a little chocolate sweetness. We also added them to our Thanksgiving table settings. We had a wonderful Thanksgiving with the Carter's.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!