Gratitude Tree

Jesus Christ was the first Christmas gift--from our Father to us. All we can offer in return, the only thing we posses that He didn't give us first, is our heart, will, and desire.

Ben's brilliant mom and dad sent us a Christmas gift to foster that.

The boys had a really good time opening the package 

and setting up the tree.

Grandma packaged it with such care. We were all caught up in the beauty of the ribbon, beads, and delicate snowflake ornaments. I loved the little basket and papers with lovely green borders. Each empty page promising to hold a great memory.

I have always believed that happiness leads to gratitude, which leads to happiness, which leads to gratitude, which leads to more happiness. It's a lovely upward spiral.

The thing that was new to me in this lesson, is that gratitude also leads to peace. Contentment comes from being thankful for what you have and demanding nothing more. 

Gratitude also leads to hope. Satisfaction with the past and present leads one to be optimistic about the future.

We started with three pages each and wrote down something we were thankful for, but in no time, it wasn't enough. Soon we were all grabbing more and filling them up. We had to guard that we didn't use them all. Dad hasn't had a turn yet.

 Then we rolled them up and attached them to the Christmas symbol for everlasting life. 

Our attempt to give something to our Heavenly Father in return for all He's given to us, left our hearts soaring.

Our gratitude tree glows, beautifully. 

It's just a reflection of our grateful hearts.