Mums the Word - On Being Thankful

By Hope Forrest

Sherwood and I asked the girls what they were thankful for. We gave them a blank piece of paper and sent them to the playroom to make a list. It didn't take them long. They emerged, hands over their smiles, giggling. We wondered if they had taken the task seriously. Thankfully they had. Here's a list of some things that an eight-year-old and four-year-old deem worthy of thankfulness.

School. (Who knew?) `Rain is home schooled while Ash attends public kindergarten, but they both agreed they were thankful for their education. Whew! Glad to know they didn't take it for granted!

Friends. (Of course!) Both girls have an address book chuck full of true-blue buddies they love to play and share secrets with.

Food. (Wow, even with me as the cook?) They appreciate a fridge and pantry full of healthy and not so healthy snacks to choose from. Unlike some kids, they've never had to go to bed hungry.

Toys. (No kidding.) Making shoe boxes for underprivileged children at Christmas has helped them to realize not everyone has an overflowing toy box.

T.V. (Please!) I think we could have lived without this one on the list, but there are some redeeming shows worth watching. The fact that they get a weekly allowance for television however, keeps idiot box time to a minimum.

Home. (Sweet home.) Not a mansion, but bigger than a bread box, the girls know there are children in the world who live in cardboard shacks. They thank God they're not one of them.

Bed. (Warm, soft and dry.) Again, with an Aunt and Uncle building orphanages for children in Africa, `Rain and Ash are relieved to go to bed at night feeling safe and secure.

Holidays. (Christmas, Easter, and birthdays.) I'd like to say these made the lists because of their importance, but hey, they are children. They're just hoping for more stuff.

God and the Universe. (Amen!) Knowing that all good things come from above, they are thankful He's given them so many things to be thankful for! Family. (Last but not least.) Without love, trust and respect, all the riches in the world hold no value or importance. Billions of dollars of buildings and personal property were destroyed at the World Trade Center last month yet the only thing that truly matters are the family members people have lost. What they wouldn't give to have them back.

Examining what our children are grateful for helps us to keep our heads in check. So often we drive ourselves to distraction trying to give our kids a better life than we had ourselves. More opportunities. A better education. Perhaps a few of the finer things in life. But, when it comes right down to it, children in North America have a richer lifestyle than children in other countries can even dream of. What they need from us is a sense of security and love. A gentle hand to direct them, and parents who set moral, upright examples for them to follow. Looking at our girls' list, solidified what Sherwood and I were thankful for. We're thankful for our God, each other, two healthy daughters, and the freedoms and riches we enjoy living in Canada.