What are you thankful for?

One Sunday evening, a father gathered his family to pray together. His wife and their three little girls, Mala, Anza, and Gema, all came to the sitting room for their special moment of prayer.

Usually, the father would start the prayer, but that evening was different. "Today," he said, "we're each going to share three things we're thankful to God for."

The little girls smiled excitedly. Mala, the eldest, went first. "I'm thankful to God for our family. And I'm especially thankful for our bedroom, which is my favorite place to rest and dream, with our awesome three-deck bed that feels like a magical adventure every night. I'm also thankful to God for my amazing cousins, who bring so much joy and laughter when they come over to play."

The family applauded for Mala. "Well done, princess!" her father said.

Next was Anza, the second-born. "I'm thankful to God for my big sister Mala, who always helps me. I'm thankful for my baby sister Gema, who's always kind to me. And I'm thankful for the delicious rice and beans we had today – my favorite!"

The family clapped again. "Beautifully said," her father said.

Last but not least was Gema, the youngest, holding her pink teddy bear. "I'm thankful to God for my pink teddy bear! I'm thankful for my sisters Mala and Anza. And I'm thankful for my teddy bear pajamas!"

The family applauded once more. "All of you were amazing!" their father exclaimed.

Next was Mommy's turn. "I'm thankful to God for our family and for Daddy, who gathers us to pray. I'm thankful for the provision of money to buy food and clothes. And I'm thankful for our good health."

Everyone clapped for Mommy, and then it was Daddy's turn.

"Before I share what I'm thankful for," he began, "remember that having a thankful heart is important. Thankfulness is a way of praying. When we share what we're thankful for with God, we're worshipping Him and acknowledging His goodness and love in our lives. By expressing gratitude, we're recognizing that everything we have and every blessing we experience comes from Him, and that He's always working for our good."

The family listened carefully to Daddy's words.

Then he went on to say, "I'm thankful to God for my wonderful family, the love and joy we have in this home, and the opportunity to share God's love in moments like these."

Everyone clapped for Daddy!

The family finished their prayer time, feeling grateful and blessed. From that day on, they made it a habit to share three things they were thankful for each day, cultivating hearts full of gratitude and love.