Dinner Conversations


Every night at the dinner table, our family takes turns telling each other what we’re thankful for from the day. It never fails that one of our kids shares that they’re thankful for a good dinner, even if they struggled to get all of it down. While the practice can seem mundane and routine, our hope is that one day, the practice of gratitude that we’ve engrained in them (and ourselves) will help us on the days where it seems the world has nothing in it for which to be grateful. Maybe we can consider it practice for those coming moments of despair-that there is still some blessing that deserves our gratitude. Isn’t that what Jesus calls us to do? We are called in so many ways to reflect on the abundant blessings of God. Consider this passage from 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18: 

 

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, 

for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

 

This directive is strong-no matter what is happening-be joyful, pray, give thanks. I think we can all agree that this is HARD. I hope you’ll consider ways in which you could start (or continue) a  small practice to lean into gratitude, so that when inevitably, those moments when it’s REALLY hard come, it will feel habitual, almost like saying you’re thankful for a good dinner, even if you really don’t like spinach. Maybe you can consider a daily gratitude practice like saying what you’re thankful for around the dinner table, or a morning moment of gratitude to start the day, or even a gratitude journal where you can jot some daily thanks. 

 

Lord, give us minds and hearts that show us all for which we have to be thankful. We are so grateful for your love in our lives. Give us hearts able to be joyful, to pray, and to show thanks for all that you give us. Amen.


Stephanie Smith Cooney

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