An Attitude of Gratitude
When my children were growing up, we gathered around the table before meals to share what we were thankful for. It didn’t need to be long, just something that showed they hadn’t taken their many blessings for granted. All three sons are now grown and have their own families, but I was pleased when they told me they kept up the family tradition of expressing gratitude to God for His many blessings throughout the year. I have always said, “More is caught than taught.”
What our family was most thankful for was our special-needs son. Stephen (who transitioned to Heaven in 1990) really showed how much we are blessed. He had no verbal skills; yet, that young man tutored the family in more things than you could imagine. Living in the same house with Stevie showed us how not to take everyday skills nor life for granted, and to show gratitude every day for the blessings He bestowed upon our family.
Stephen had to be tube fed, clean and dry before we could even venture to the Dairy Queen, but that was our life and we lived it because we loved our son. I remember praying often, “Lord, I thank you for Stevie being ours, where he can be loved and cared for properly.” In church Stevie would clap his hands in worship as best he could. I also remember a couple of times as the saints were dancing in the spirit, Stevie leapt out of his wheelchair and jumped up and down a couple of times before we could get him back down because his balance was not stable.
His brothers were so protective of him and would sit around him and laugh about different things. Stevie would smile even though he didn’t know what he was smiling about, but it was brother-time and he joined in. We were a loving family without any reservations. As I said in the beginning more lessons are caught rather than taught. Stevie taught us no matter a person’s handicap, do not shy away; embrace one another; be thankful for the Lord’s blessings are new every day.
As we have entered the thanksgiving season, let’s take on the ‘attitude of gratitude’ for all the Lord has done and is doing in each and every one of our lives. “Love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, and love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:37–40, Mark 12:30–31).
What our family was most thankful for was our special-needs son. Stephen (who transitioned to Heaven in 1990) really showed how much we are blessed. He had no verbal skills; yet, that young man tutored the family in more things than you could imagine. Living in the same house with Stevie showed us how not to take everyday skills nor life for granted, and to show gratitude every day for the blessings He bestowed upon our family.
Stephen had to be tube fed, clean and dry before we could even venture to the Dairy Queen, but that was our life and we lived it because we loved our son. I remember praying often, “Lord, I thank you for Stevie being ours, where he can be loved and cared for properly.” In church Stevie would clap his hands in worship as best he could. I also remember a couple of times as the saints were dancing in the spirit, Stevie leapt out of his wheelchair and jumped up and down a couple of times before we could get him back down because his balance was not stable.
His brothers were so protective of him and would sit around him and laugh about different things. Stevie would smile even though he didn’t know what he was smiling about, but it was brother-time and he joined in. We were a loving family without any reservations. As I said in the beginning more lessons are caught rather than taught. Stevie taught us no matter a person’s handicap, do not shy away; embrace one another; be thankful for the Lord’s blessings are new every day.
As we have entered the thanksgiving season, let’s take on the ‘attitude of gratitude’ for all the Lord has done and is doing in each and every one of our lives. “Love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, and love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:37–40, Mark 12:30–31).