Lessons in gratitude begin early. Sometimes they come attended by Pilgrim hats and feathers fashioned from construction paper, or “turkeys” that closely resemble a sweet child-sized handprint. Little ones throughout the Golden Triangle have lately been hearing about giving thanks, singing songs and sharing what they are grateful for. As they grow, they will more deeply understand the value of authentic gratitude. And, if they are fortunate, they will realize that being thankful for even the smallest things is enriching.
Grown-ups can help by modeling gratitude. A family dinner might begin by letting everyone share what they are most thankful for. Or bedtime could include saying what we are grateful for that day. Volunteer. Give. Be lavish with deserved thank yous. Teach children to appreciate what they have. Pass on the virtue of thankfulness. It has power.
Jan Swoope is the Lifestyles Editor for The Commercial Dispatch.
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Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 35 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 35 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
Related Photos
Amiya Magee, 4, daughter of Antonio and Jennifer Magee, is ready to eat corn, turkey and a roll with her family after her Thanksgiving program Nov. 18 at First United Methodist Church. Photo by: Luisa Porter/Dispatch Staff
Two-year-old Mary Ellen Cockrell gives her grandmother, Mary Lena Cockrell, a hug before the Thanksgiving performance at the First Baptist Church WEE School Nov. 18. Mary Ellen is the daughter of Clay and Stephanie Cockrell of Columbus. Photo by: Luisa Porter/Dispatch Staff
Gassey Williams, 3, goes straight for the turkey during a Thanksgiving lunch at Petty's Christian Childcare in Columbus Nov. 18. Gassey is the son of Gassey Williams Sr. and Tyesha Haynes of Columbus. Photo by: Luisa Porter/Dispatch Staff
One-year-old Aaron Minor shares a moment with his mother, Britney Gee, at the First Baptist Church WEE School in Columbus Nov. 18. The children sang and shared what they were thankful for before enjoying a big Thanksgiving lunch with their families. Photo by: Luisa Porter/Dispatch Staff
At Emerson Preschool in Starkville, Akeela Suddeth and her 2-year-old son Joshua Suddeth of Starkville receive a box of Thanksgiving meal preparations Nov. 17 from Dr. Lori Staton, Mississippi State University assistant professor in the School and Human Sciences, and Elmarie Carr, Respite Program manager at Emerson. Photo by: Luisa Porter/Dispatch Staff
Quintel Bush helps his daughter A'myra Bush, 5, make a turkey at Coleman Head Start Center Nov. 17. Photo by: Deanna Robinson/Dispatch Staff
Quinton Guido and his daughter Kaliyah Guido, 4, glue fruit onto a cornucopia at Coleman Head Start Center. Photo by: Deanna Robinson/Dispatch Staff
