There are a couple times a year when the virtue that we focus on lines up completely with the focus of our society. November is one of those months as we look at the virtue of Gratitude. Thanksgiving is a great time of year to focus on all the great and wonderful things in our lives that God has blessed us with. But we're called to have a spirit of gratitude all the time, in all situations, not just once a year. And with most things, it is an extension of our outlook and attitude.
Our verse for the month is 1 Thessalonians 5:18, "Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." We know how easy it is to give thanks when things go well, but it's looking for the positive things that aren't always as easy to see when times are tough that makes living out this verse so hard. But we know that God is in control, that He is working all things out for those that follow Him and that growth and reliance come out of trials and suffering. When we focus on that, our attitude can be adjusted to make the most of all situations and be thankful for any number of things.
As parents, this is such an important thing to model for our kids as so much of their perspective is formed directly from the way they see the the adults in their lives respond when things don't go according to plan. It's hard to always be positive and to look for ways to be thankful when life gets tough, but it is essential at this age in particular. Talk to your child about different ways to look at situations. Ask them questions that get them thinking about both sides of their attitude and the effects they can have on others when they don't show an attitude of gratitude. Look for examples of people who respond poorly and ask them what they think could have been done instead.
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