Give With Thanks

November began yesterday, and we all know what that means: the race to the end of the year is now underway. Between planning for and executing holiday festivities, recitals, concerts, parties, and finishing up the semester at school, the next two months are probably the busiest of the entire year. I love this season, but it can get stressful and overwhelming in a hurry.

This year, I want to move more deliberately through the craziness. I want to teach my kids to slow down, look around, and enjoy the moment. I want them to think outside of their list of holiday must-haves and notice others.

November is typically marked by expressions of gratitude. As I considered several different ways to incorporate gratitude into our family culture this month, one stood out above the rest:

Image source: www.thesmallseed.com

I discovered this idea on The Small Seed blog, and it left me thinking for days. This is not your typical gratitude tree where you write what you are thankful for and hang it on the tree. While that is also a wonderful idea. this tree is rooted in discovering gratitude and joy through service. Each leaf hung on the tree represents the completion of a small act of service.

It is sometimes difficult to teach my children to be grateful in a society that seems to be founded in instant gratification. I know of no better way to do that than to get them busy serving others. Service is, after all, one of the quickest routes to happiness and contentment.

If you would like to join me on this month of giving with thanks, hop on over to The Small Seed where you can download a packet of gorgeous printables that includes a tree to hang on your wall, leaves to track your progress, service ideas, simple lessons on service, and more.

Let us kick off the holiday season with at attitude of giving…starting today.