Gratitude as We Enter the New Year

"Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

- 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Every year on Christmas Eve, my family gathers together to celebrate. We all bring our favorite dishes and presents that we’ll open later that night. This one year, when my oldest was five years old, my son was opening presents and was very excited. As a five-year-old, he did not have a filter. There was some commentary after each gift was opened. “I already have this,” and “Is that it?” I was shocked and a bit embarrassed by this.

At that moment, I realized I needed to teach my son to be more grateful. The best way to teach a child to be thankful is by example. Of course, you can tell them what it means to be grateful and provide examples, but ultimately they learn by watching.

While this experience was not great, it opened my eyes to what needed to be done. As this new year begins, reflecting on the past is natural. We can look back at all the challenges, successes, and everything in between. Each of your experiences is an opportunity for you to reflect upon.

Whether you are a parent or a Sunday School teacher, you have the chance to help children learn the importance of being grateful for all these things. As role models, we have the unique opportunity to show children what living with a thankful heart looks like.

Biblical Perspective on Gratitude

The Bible is rich with teachings on gratitude, reminding us that thankfulness is a vital part of our walk with God. Take this verse from Thessalonians or this Psalm:

“Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his Name.” - Psalm 100:4

God calls on us to be stewards of his grace and love, and what better way to exemplify this than through gratitude?

When teaching children, share these stories and verses to illustrate gratitude in action. Emphasize how gratitude is more than saying “thank you”—it’s a posture of the heart that reflects trust in God.

The Benefits of Gratitude

Gratitude has profound effects on every aspect of our lives. Spiritually, it deepens our faith, reminding us to be thankful for God’s provisions. Emotionally, when we have a grateful heart, we find more joy and peace in our lives. Socially, gratitude strengthens our relationships and builds connections with others.

How can we be an example to our children? Talk to children about how saying “thank you” to God and others can brighten someone’s day and make them feel loved. Encourage them to notice the blessings in their lives, no matter how small.

Practical Ways to Cultivate Gratitude

So, how can we teach gratitude to our children? Leading by example. Teaching gratitude to children is most effective when paired with practical, relatable actions. As we enter this month's new year, encourage your children to pray and thank God daily.

One activity you can try with your children is to write thank you notes to people who have helped them in any way. They can be letters to parents, siblings, or even friends.

You can also share stories from the Bible of people who trusted God and gave thanks to him even in a difficult situation. Stories like Feeding the Five Thousand, Daniel in the Lion’s Den, and even stories about Paul when he was in jail.

Another way to cultivate gratitude is by encouraging your children to pray and thank God for blessings daily. This might be difficult for children, so I’ve created a small but mighty resource to help.

Download my free Gratitude Journal for your kids. Gratitude can often feel like a difficult subject to teach other children, but with this journal, you can help your children reflect on their level of how to be grateful. This journal prompts children to reflect on different areas of their lives and what they are thankful for. With easy, child-friendly prompts, they will think about ways to be grateful daily. There’s also a weekly gratitude that children can take home and write daily. Encourage parents to help their children with this at home.

As role models, be transparent about your own gratitude journey. Share personal stories of seeing God’s goodness in your life, and let children see you practicing gratitude regularly. One example could be starting and ending each Sunday with a prayer of thanksgiving.

Conclusion

Gratitude transforms our hearts and minds, aligning us with God’s will and opening our eyes to His blessings. As we enter the new year, let’s commit to being examples of gratitude for the children we teach.

By modeling thankfulness and guiding children to practice it, we help shape hearts that are attuned to God’s goodness and grace.

Closing Reflection:

Heavenly Father, as we begin this new year, fill our hearts with gratitude. Help us to see Your hand in every circumstance and to teach the children in our care to live with thankful hearts. May we reflect Your love and faithfulness through our example. In Jesus name, Amen.