When I think of gratitude, I think of the scriptural example of how the Savior healed the lepers, but only one demonstrated a grateful heart by personally thanking the Him. On the other hand, I can imagine how the other lepers were so happy by the miracle that had occurred. I can even imagine the joy they felt in their hearts, and am sure they shared the miracle with their family and friends — but not the Savior. Although sharing the story with others is a way of showing gratitude, it is important to take a small moment to personally thank those who made the difference in our lives. Gratitude is a Christ-like attribute that can demonstrate that we are aware of the wonderful blessings we have received.
There times, of course, when our service will not be noticed by the ones we are serving. Donating a Thanksgiving meal to a family in need, donating warm clothing for the winter, making quilts for someone across the world or donating funds to the bishop for a family in need are acts of service that also demonstrate gratitude. With a heart full of gratitude because of your own blessings, you can turn and serve others.
Two years ago we visited a place where children go when they have been taken from their homes because of abuse and are awaiting foster care. It was Thanksgiving week. My family and I planned fun activities for the children to engage in and also brought some yummy treats. We could not bring gifts because the children may not be able to bring them to their new homes. They were nervous because of the uncertainty of their future, and were with a group of children they did not know. So, we played relay races to distract them for a moment from the reality of their state, and had some fun.
We divided them into two teams, and they had to run as fast as they could to the chair at the end of the room and sit on a balloon until it popped and retrieve the candy piece in it and run back to their teammates. My 5 children were cheering them on and the ones popping the balloons were giggling so much they would often fall to the floor with laughter. Another game we played was a relay race in which they were divided into two groups again and had to run to a bowl and pull out an exercise to do. It could be to do 10 jumping jacks, jump on one leg, sing “head, shoulders, knees and toes” or sing the alphabet. I’ve played this game many times with elementary school students, and always had a great time. Here, though, it was different. Many did not understand the coordination of jumping jacks, or fell over when hopping on one foot, or could not read. So, we stopped the game as many were frustrated. One boy said he quit the game and walked off. I felt I had to act quickly. But out of the corner of my eye I saw my oldest son with the little boy who was most upset. Teaching him how to do jumping jacks, jump with a rope and how to hold on to a chair to jump with one foot. After seeing that, I put the rest of them in two lines, practiced what each move was, and directed my children to read the note pulled out. After 10 minutes, I asked the children if they wanted to resume. They said, “Yes!” So we did, and the giggles started again and the children were cheering each other on and my son watched over the little boy who got frustrated to make sure he had more fun. The little boy did, and hugged my son for teaching him how to do jumping jacks. It was a wonderful experience for my whole family. Many asked my daughters if they could play with them again. On the drive home, my son said, “I never thought I’d be grateful to know how to do jumping jacks. I’m glad I could teach him.” The gratitude of that little boy made the experience for my son even better. He was touched by the hug he received. As stated in the leper story in Luke 17:15, “And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God.“ What an unconquerable spirit that little boy had. Amongst his confusing and unsettling situation he found the time to simply say “thank you for teaching me how to do jumping jacks.”
My family learned first-hand that neglect at home can impair reading and simple coordination. My children always say that was their favorite service for Thanksgiving. I’m grateful for the experience of service and for all those who have made big and small differences in my life.
Wendy M. Johnson
Wendy, Thank you for reminding me how blessed we are that we can do jumping jacks, and even more, that our children can. We take so much for granted, not even noticing that simple things can be great blessings.
It is often in the smallest acts of kindness that we give the most to those in need. A kind word; a hug; noticing when someone needs a kind word or a hug (there is an art in that too).
Thank you for your sweet story and for teaching your children about the importance of giving to others.