As a parent one of the greatest joys I have is hearing my children say thank you.  When they have the realization that they have received something they did not deserve, did not earn, or did not ask for, and express genuine appreciation my heart begins to do flip flops.

I want my children to live with a sense a gratitude for the things that they receive in life and not a sense of entitlement.  I especially want them to live this way under my roof.  I want them to know that the things we do for them as parents are done because we love them and want to do good things for them and not because we have to.

I imagine that God sits in heaven and wishes the same thing from all of us.  The bible tells us that every good gift comes from God.

James 1:17…Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. (NIV)

If we want to bless the heart of God we could spend more time showing appreciation for the good things in our lives.  We can also cultivate an attitude of appreciation by letting God know why we are thankful and we realize we have received it because he has given it.

So… Every once in a while try not asking for anything and just thank God.

Written by Larry Westfall.  Copyright © Finding Wonder 2013.