I fully intended to write a post for this month’s Green Moms Carnival that would detail all of things for which I am grateful. This month’s theme is, of course,” Gratitude”
As I pondered how to structure my post, though what kept running through my head was the phrase:
I’m thankful each day for the blessings I see…
Do you recognize that? I didn’t at first. Had I seen it on a card? Is it a line from a poem I learned long ago? Why does it strike me as something I should remember?
Then while cleaning out my son’s room, in preparedness for the new deluge of toys, books and clothes that will arrive in boxes and bags during the holiday season, I found it. A book by P.K, Hallinan, appropriately titled: I’m Thankful Each Day.I’ll give you a few more lines here:
I’m thankful each day for the blessings I see
And for the all of the gifts God’s given to me
And counting the stars at the edge of the sea
I can’t help but feel they were put there for me
A small board book intended to be read by parents to their small children, it has become a Thanksgiving favorite at our house. There are over 20 different things for which the main character, a small boy, gives thanks including sunrises, autumn leaves, harvests and snow, family and friends.
The focus on nature and the exultation of nature is unusual in a book written in 1981; it is perhaps a precursor of the ecological movement that has reached prominence in this decade. And so, this little book remains or perhaps regains popularity in family homes.
I know we’ll use it this Thanksgiving, reading and re-reading it as we take time to remember for what we are truly thankful.
Visit this month's Green Moms Carnival for more posts from green moms on gratitude.
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14 comments:
We love this book as well. I'm glad to know we have many more years to spend with it.
It's the little things. As we strolled around Balboa island this morning, I was ever so thankful that my DH felt good enough to walk and enjoy the morning mist for the first time in months.
I removed my last comment since it had a typo in it!
I agree with Mary. It is the little things that count. It is something that it is important to remind our kids every day.
I forgot how much I loved that book . . . I used to read it babysitting to the little boy next door. I'm going to have to track it down for my kids. See, it is the little things.
we have this book as well, i think the seasonal books are a wonderful tradition...and since mine have outgrown so many of these books now, well gosh all of them really - the books are in the grandma box for their kids to enjoy
I like the Raffi song "Thanks a Lot", which has a similar theme:
Thanks a lot
Thanks for the sun in the sky
Thanks a lot
Thanks for the clouds so high
Thanks a lot
Thanks for the whispering wind
Thanks a lot
Thanks for the birds in the spring
Thanks a lot
Thanks for the moonlit night
Thanks a lot
Thanks for the stars so bright
Thanks a lot
Thanks for wonder in me
Thanks a lot
Thanks for the way that I feel
Thanks for the animals
Thanks for the land
Thanks for the people everywhere
Thanks a lot
Thanks for all I've got
Thanks for all I've got.
Great post! I think my daughters would love that book as well. They are experts at appreciating the little things!
Thanks for the reminder about all the gems kids' books contain. I'll never give up my copy of The Runaway Bunny...
This is one of the most requested bedtime book. It's totally squashed from hugs but so loved in this house.
I think that children's books can sometimes say it all and so simply. I think I learn more from reading to my children at night than they do!
I look forward to getting this book for our shelves, teaching gratitude is as important as any other skill we could give our children! Great Christmas gift idea!
I need to pull out our copy of "The Art of Giving Thanks" -- I especially love that you know the book by heart. ;) Nodding my head at that -- books I've read a 1000 times embedded in my subconscious. Important to choose wisely, eh?
Thank you so much for the nudge on this book. I have been looking for items just like this and having a difficult time. I have been perusing your Blog and it is a real treat. Keep up the great work, I will definitely be returning!
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