Give Thanks for Everything

Keys for Kids Daily Devotional for November 22, 2007
TITLE: Thanks for Paper Plates
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 100
AUDIO: listen here
THE STORY FOR TODAY:
"I pray today," announced Ricky as the family sat around the breakfast table. Dad smiled his approval at the little boy, and they all bowed their heads. "Thank You, God, for bacon an' eggs an' milk an' toast an' flowers," said Ricky. He paused and peeked to see what else was on the table. "An' jam," he added. "Amen."
"Thank you, Ricky," said Dad. He frowned at Jesse and Suzanne, who were giggling at their little brother.
After breakfast, everyone went out to work in the yard. When it was time for lunch, Mom called them together around the picnic table. "We'll pray," she said, "and then you can all sit and relax while I get the hamburgers off the grill and get the rest of the food on the table."
"I pray," announced Ricky again. Once more they all bowed their heads. "Thank You for . . ." began Ricky. He hesitated. He paused a long moment as he looked at the table. There was no food on it yet. ". . . for plates an' knives an' forks an' spoons an' cups an' napkins an' salt," Ricky finished. "Amen."
Jesse and Suzanne snickered out loud. But Dad smiled at his younger son. "I'm glad you thanked God for all those things today," said Dad. "We usually take them for granted and fail to give thanks for them."
"Yes," agreed Mom as she got up. "Now . . . I don't need any help getting the food on the table, but while I'm doing that, you could think of some other things we seldom remember to thank the Lord for. You go first, Jesse."
"Uh . . ." murmured Jesse as Mom got busy with the hamburgers, "we should be thankful for . . . ah . . . for our grill."
"Good," said Dad. "How about it, Suzanne?"
Suzanne was ready. "For pepper-Ricky forgot that," she said.
"And for a picnic table," added Jesse quickly.
"And picnic benches," said Suzanne and Jesse together.
"An' food," shouted Ricky as Mom set a platter of hamburgers and a bowl of fruit salad on the table.
"And for a little child to teach us," added Mom with a smile. "Dig in."
MEMORY VERSE: It is good to give thanks to the Lord. Psalm 92:1
HOW ABOUT YOU? Are you really thankful at this Thanksgiving season-for everything? Look around you. What things do you take for granted day after day and never thank the Lord for? Take a few moments to thank Him right now.
THE KEY: Give thanks for everything