Cultivating Hearts of Gratitude: A Thanksgiving Reflection by Toyin Atolagbe

As we approach Thanksgiving, we find ourselves reflecting on what it means to cultivate grateful hearts in our children. There is a remarkable difference between teaching a child to say, “thank you” and forming a soul that genuinely overflows with gratitude. The first is behavior; the second is character. The first can be trained through repetition; the second must be cultivated through intentional formation.

The Roman philosopher Cicero understood this when he wrote: “Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all the others.” The ancient thinkers recognized that gratitude opens the heart to see clearly, to love rightly, and to live generously. In classical thought, gratitude was understood as essential to the well-ordered soul. The Greeks called it “eucharistia,” a word that means both thanksgiving and grace. To be grateful was to recognize one’s place in the cosmic order, to understand that we are not self-made but immensely dependent upon family, community, and the countless gifts we have received from those who came before us.

As we gather around our tables for this Thanksgiving, we have a sacred opportunity to form our children’s hearts. Here are a few ways to cultivate gratitude intentionally:

• Name specific blessings rather than speaking in general. terms Instead of “I’m thankful for my family,” encourage “I’m thankful that Dad and Mom work hard, so we could have this meal.”
• Model gratitude yourself. Children learn more from what they observe than what they are told. Let them hear you express genuine thanksgiving throughout the day.
• Reflect on hardship with gratitude. Even challenges can teach us to be grateful for strength and growth.
• Practice contentment. In a culture of endless consumption, teach your children to say, “I have enough” and mean it.

An ungrateful child grows into an entitled adult who believes the world owes them something. But a grateful child understands that they stand on the shoulders of giants, their parents who sacrifice, teachers who inspire, family members, and friends who serve.

As we enter this season of thanksgiving, we hope that your home would be marked by genuine gratitude, not just the “thank you” of social convention, but the deep, abiding thankfulness that recognizes every moment as a gift, every breath as grace, and every relationship as a sacred trust.

With Gratitude,

Toyin Atolagbe, Executive Director
Great Hearts Christian Academies

Great Hearts Christian Academies are fully accredited private Christian schools that unite the proven Great Hearts classical model with a nurturing, Christ-centered culture. We believe a classical Christian education uniquely integrates faith and reason so students can develop moral, academic, and spiritual virtue. All families are welcome. Learn more at https://christos.greatheartsamerica.org.

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