Thankful Thursday

My sweet baby girl has been teaching me a thing or two about gratitude lately. We are sticklers on politeness in our family. A little please, thank-you, or sorry can go a long way. As my children ask for things, I require that they ask with "please," and once their request has been granted, I require a "thank you, mommy." I do this from the moment they begin babbling, and I continue to remind them to use manners. And it is SO fun when it finally starts to pay off!

At just 20 months old, Naomi is really beginning to get it down, using politeness without prompting. I have always joked that being a mom is a thankless job. But I can't really say that anymore! Naomi has even thanked me for changing her diaper!! I've never met a toddler who was so full of gratitude. I did not teach her to say thank you after I do things for her (wiping off her face, putting her bib on, or zipping up her pajamas, for example). I've just required a thank-you when I or someone else gives her something. But it has amazingly transferred to all areas...and she seems to be filled with genuine gratitude.

I cannot begin to describe how my heart swells with love and generosity as she does this. It's as if the more she thanks me for the little random things that I do for her, the more I want to do and give. How much more does our Father in Heaven enjoy when we have a genuine heart of gratitude toward the things He does and gives to us? I wonder if the more we praise Him...the more thankful we are for the simple things...the more He wants to give to us?

Today, I am thankful for my sweet daughter, who is teaching me the art of being thankful. Her name means "beautiful, pleasant, delightful" and she is SO living up to her name! Thank you, Lord...for blessing us with such a sweet, delightful little girl whom You are already using to change people's lives...namely, mine! :)