Stay Up to Date

LAC Families-

Giving Thanks

Thanks, Mom/Dad!! These words can make the work, stress, confounding and bewildering moments worth it. Words of gratitude come from a pure and grateful heart not because we have taught good manners. They are so nice to hear and can provide such a boost to our energy and resilience but even more, they are a means to greater intimacy and connection. They are not just kind or appropriate, they are the foundation for respect and admiration. We all want that from our kids, especially when the words arrive uncoerced and heartfelt.

So, when was the last time you said these words to your parents?

SIDEBAR: I know what I just said is complex. We all have varied and sometimes painful relationships with our parents, I get it. Some of our parents are not with us anymore. Yet, there is still a way for us to express gratitude for the good things that they provided, did or left us. If your parents are no longer with us, you can be thankful to God for them.

When we show gratitude to others, we are able to grow that relationship, boost other’s energy and resilience, and create greater intimacy and connection in relationships. When we are grateful, it helps us remember what we need to be doing for our kids in order to make sure they know that we love them and are grateful for them. We have to be consistent in providing the right support, showing love that they respond to, rightly respecting our own kids’ ideas and thoughts, setting good boundaries, modeling appropriate emotions, helping them experience responsibility, and living out our faith in front of and with them. Our consistency provides the environment for them to thrive. Jesus’ example shows us how to love sacrificially. When we follow Jesus’ ways and words in our families, we live out the core of who we are and the best of who God has made us to be. We become the best sons and daughters, mothers and fathers, grandmothers and grandfathers and ultimately honest disciples.
Thanks Mom and Dad.
Thank You Lord!

Happy Thanksgiving,
Chuck Hunt
Associate Pastor of Family Ministries