Gratitude is the sign of a refined soul. With a simple "Blessings Ball" you can teach your children how easy and fun a "gratitude attitude" can be!
FHE Fun!
Opening Song: #241 “Count Your Many Blessings”
Opening Prayer: By invitation.
Devotional: This is a terrific time for spontaneous sharing of important scriptural truths found by individuals in the family during the week. People are free to share, explain and testify during this FHE time; in so doing, they strengthen themselves, others, and bring the Spirit.
Activity: Item Needed:
- small ball (or wadded clean sock)
Toss the ball to an individual in the family. Ask him to name something Heavenly Father did for him in the last week. Invite the rest of the family to brainstorm/name as many blessings as possible associated with that activity or item. For example:
Parent (tossing the ball to Suzi): "Suzi, what is something Heavenly Father did for you this week?"
Suzi: "I got to go to a slumber party this week." (Children are often simplistic in their responses.)
Parent: "That's right. OK, everyone, how many blessings are associated with what Suzi got to do?"
Family responses might be, "We live in a free country that allows slumber parties," "Suzi was healthy enough to go on a slumber party," "Suzi has good friends to spend time with," "Those friends are part of a trust-worthy family," and so on.
When all the responses are done, Suzi tosses the ball to the next person and asks, "What is something Heavenly Father did for you this week?" The next person names an activity, item or idea. Then the family tries to see how many different blessings they can think of/name that are associated with that mentioned activity or item.
The goal: see how many times the ball can make its way around the family.
Application
Ask:
- What difference does it make when we acknowledge blessings we've received from God, as opposed to murmuring about challenges and/or setbacks?
- How do you feel when you talk openly about the blessings God has given you?
Share your witness as to the importance of expressing gratitude and/or read the following verse:
"Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture" (Psalm 100:3-4).
Closing Song #71 “With Songs of Praise”
Closing Prayer: By invitation.
Refreshments
Summary
Gratitude is the sign of a refined soul. And the Spirit of God increases in our homes when we, as families, maintain expressions of thankfulness. Why not periodically use a simple "Blessings Ball." Not only can you have some family fun, you can teach your children how easy a "gratitude attitude" can be!
C.S. Bezas' book has been described as perfect for youth leaders and parents of teens. Powerful Tips for Powerful Teachers: Helping Youth Find Their Spiritual Wings is available in LDS bookstores and by clicking here.
