by Melva L. Gifford

The symbol of the high five, the slapping the palms of a team member, friend or family member is a good representation of appreciation. We high five when we gain a victory. We high five when we meet friends in the hall or may high five when our family has accomplished a common goal. It is a symbol of unity, appreciation, gratitude.

The feeling and expression of gratitude is one of the most beneficial themes to teach at church and family home evening. Below are some thoughts and object lessons geared to different age groups of the family or class that may assist in helping teach this theme.

Thoughts:

With all the wonders there are in the world, we have plenty of opportunity to feel gratitude. We can appreciate the air we breathe, the food we eat, the country we live in, and a place to lay our heads each night. We can enjoy all God’s blessings.

It’s important for us not to take things for granted. One way we can let God know we appreciate all the things we have is to tell him. We can do this in our prayers and general thoughts. Just as we might like to recommend a good book or a good movie to someone; we should also let others know of our appreciation for the things that God has done for us.

Read:

Job 38:4‑7; Alma 26:8, Ps 47:6, 107:8; DC: 52:17, 136:28 ; Acts 12:23; 1 Cor 1:4‑5

Discuss:

Q1.When you have worked very hard doing something nice for a family member or another and they let you know how much it is appreciated, how does that make you feel?

Q2.What are some things that we might normally take for granted? (Examples in the discussion may touch upon: Family, health, friends, education and home.

Q3.How does gratitude for the good things of the earth and family help us in our struggles of life? (Responses might include: We can find happiness in the simple things; we better appreciate the basics of life, hard times might be present in the now, but better things are available in the future.)

Activity 1: All the parts

Age: preschool‑elementary

Supplies: body, marbles or pebbles

Have the family/class sit in a circle. Have one of the children lie down in the middle of everyone else.
With the child in the middle as an example, others in the circle can list virtues and abilities of the human body. Make a game of it. Each person who lists a trait of the body gets a marble/pebble which counts as one point. That mentioned item can be used only once. Some attributes may be: breathing, hair, fingers, lungs, eyelashes, ears, heart and brain, etc. Discuss what each of them can do. If time permits, add other items to the list, such things as air, items in the home, Mom and Dad, etc..

The person who has the most marbles at the end of the game gets a prize.

Activity 2: Thank Goodness

Age: teen‑adult

Supplies: board (about 4 ft long 6 in. Wide), blindfold, and two identical bricks

Rest a board on top of two bricks so it is just slightly off the ground. Blindfold a family member so he can’t see. Have him walk/hop across the board with only one foot. Another family member may stand beside the first, so the first can to hold onto his/her shoulder to keep his balance. Discuss how the help of another often aids our passage in life. Tell them thanks.

Just as we might rely upon another’s shoulder to give us support while walking the plank, God is eager to help us in our endeavors. The scriptures are filled with examples of how he has shown his love to us.
God provides opportunities for us to grow and learn. Sometimes our understanding will be clarified on a topic through our experiences. Our experience can blossom into wisdom. In all the things we achieve, we should acknowledge God’s part.

Activity 3: Pile It On

Age: All age groups

Supplies: safe place for fire, match, wood, sticks etc.

This should be done in a safe spot, outside or in a fireplace. Collect a bunch of sticks and kindling to build a fire. A comparison might be made how the light of the fire is the light of the gospel which include the eternity of families and the gospel.

As we add each stick to the fire, mention a blessing in your life. It may be a learned piece of information, a member of the family or a person you know. Mention how experiences in your life have helped you. As the kindling is added, mention that there are blessings provided by God we don’t even know about.