Family moments – Gratitude! – LIFE IS SHORT

Family moments can be created around just about anything; humour, food, travelling, a movie, a game, a song, learning something new, welcoming a new baby, attending a sporting event, creating something together and the list goes on and on. I am so passionate about family moments that I am always anticipating my weekends and public holidays.

How does your family build special memories? What are your favourite activities?

We often get caught up in the school-work-home cycle and many times prefer to just relax at home on weekends and on public holidays. What works well is planning in advance and planning our activities at a time when we can afford to slow down a bit; a time when not too much is going on around us. Some activities we enjoy are going to the beach, walking and hiking, visiting family, watching movies, attending church, going to the theatre, watching basketball and more. I believe though, our most favourite moment, is just being home together.

Recently, we engaged ourselves in an activity that turned out to be much more meaningful than we expected. Maybe you may wish to try this with your family.

Activity

Each person was asked to walk with pen and paper. The timer was set for three minutes and everyone was expected to begin writing things they were grateful for. At the end of the three minutes, each family member shared the items on their list. If you had the same item on your list, you had to indicate so by raising your hand.

I was amazed by the number of things we thought of combined. It was a lovely experience and we all enjoyed it.

I wish to share some of the things I wrote on my list. Some may seem insignificant or minor to you, but that’s o.k., as you would not know the story behind the gratitude being expressed.

Yesterday I was thankful for these things and today I am more thankful: