When the world feels heavy, it’s natural to focus on loss, pain, and uncertainty. In the last 72 hours, California wildfires have broken out, upending lives, causing chaos, and ushering in heartbreak. However, as followers of Jesus, we can still find reasons to embrace gratitude and look for hope.
Being grateful may not seem intuitive to our kids and students, but leaning into gratitude can shore up our hearts and help us focus on the One who loves us most of all. Gratitude doesn’t diminish the seriousness of what’s happening, it gives us the strength to endure and the ability to see God’s goodness in the chaos that’s evolved.
Three Powerful Ways to Show Gratitude
Here are three ways that you can embrace gratitude in the midst of difficulty.
- Talk about gratitude. Sit down with your child and talk about what you’re thankful for, even amidst the difficulty. Make a list of three things you are grateful for together, whether it’s the safety of loved ones, the bravery of the first responders, or simply being able to pray for those involved. Gratitude will help shift the focus from what’s missing to what remains, as well as God’s presence in the middle of heartbreak.
- Teach your child or students to look for the heroes. If you are watching the news, point out firefighters, volunteers, or neighbors who might be stepping up to make a difference. Discuss how they can be helpers by donating their clothes, toys, and supplies needed in the coming days.
- Thank those you are grateful for. Do you know someone making a difference in the middle of this tragedy? Whether it is taking snacks to first responders in your area or sending an encouraging note to a friend who is volunteering, encourage your child or students to recognize the goodness and hope that others are bringing into the situation. Generous words have an impact on everyone!
A Final Thought
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV) says, “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” This may seem like difficult instruction to follow, but it is actually the recipe for hope in helpless situations and difficult times!
While we can’t shield our kids from every tragedy, we can guide them toward gratitude, hope, and trust in God’s goodness. By helping them see the good amid the bad and the strength within the struggle, we can encourage them and equip them with the tools they need to face life’s challenges with faith, resilience, and love.
Even in the ashes, God’s love is constant. Let’s teach our children to see His hand at work, to look for the light in the darkness, and to find gratitude in every season. In doing so, we offer them and ourselves a powerful way to heal and move forward.
Read: Supporting Our Kids and Offering Hope During Times of Tragedy
Written By: Dana Brady‧Director of Content and Learning for Generous Classroom