Page 34 - Power of Gratitude

Page 31

At some point in our lives, one feeling we do not always fail to have is

that of regret over what we could have learned while growing up. Most
of the good virtues that we cherish in the world today, including the

attitude of gratitude, are best learned and cultivated in childhood. And
of course, the bulk of responsibility lies on parents to nurture their life’s

most precious gift - children, into understanding the power of gratitude
at a very tender age.

It is unarguable to say that the world has failed in the area of the true
expression of gratitude simply because a whole of parents have failed

in their role of raising their kids to appreciate nature, themselves, and
everyone else.

How would you see it if you ever have someone to put you through
the godly way by which you can groom your children in the way of

gratitude? Just think of how admirable an example it will be for their
child to learn from if their parents carry the feeling of gratitude with

them all the time. If parents are thankful for every little thing around
them, won’t their children learn the same too? One of the biggest morals

that parents can impress upon their children is teaching to them to say
‘thank you, dad, thank you, mum, for the food,’ before and after the

meal. This is not without also teaching them to utter some words of
gratitude to the creator of life and the Universe for His provision too.

The lessons of gratitude can extend to parents encouraging their
wards to appreciate their teachers, friends, and everyone around, at

least for being there for them. Also, it would prove a good idea if we
help children realize why they have to be grateful for the great men
of old who had invented some of the good things such as electricity,
computers, cars, etc., that we enjoy today, as, without the effort of these
individuals, things may not be comfortable for us as we have them today.
In short, every child needs to be taught not to despise or take anything
for granted, however insignificant.

In one of the teachings of Buddha, we are told to us rise up and be

thankful, for if we didn’t learn a lot today, at least we learned a little,
and if we didn’t learn a little, at least we didn’t get sick, and if we got
sick, at least we didn’t die; so, let us all be thankful. How beautiful
would it be if your child could be even more grateful?