As families gather for Thanksgiving they often share lists of things for which they are thankful. The lists usually include favorite foods, pets, good health, family members, and of course, God’s love and provision.

Here is a Thanksgiving activity that can be enjoyed by all ages. It focuses on several passages of Scripture and encourages children and teens to thank God for the specific ways family and friends demonstrate God’s love to them.

 I thank my God every time I remember you.

                                                            Philippians 1:3

 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

1 Corinthians 13:4-7

WHAT YOU WILL NEED

• A slip of paper with each person’s name
• Scripture prompt slips
• A container for each set of slips

SCRIPTURE PROMPT SLIPS

_______ (name) I am thankful that you are patient when __________

_______ (name) I am thankful that you are kind when ____________

_______ (name) I am thankful that you do not get angry when ______

_______ (name) I am thankful that you protect me by _____________

_______ (name) I am thankful that you trust me when I ____________

_______ (name) I am thankful that you hope _________ with me

THE ACTIVITY

• Read the verses above. Explain that God calls us as Christians to show His love to our family, friends, and those we meet. This activity encourages us to thank God and others for ways that our family shows His love to each other.
• Place the name slips in one container and the Scripture prompt slips in a separate container.
• Each person draws a Scripture prompt slip and a name.
• After a few minutes to think, each person shares his or her thought of thankfulness for the individual who shows them God’s love.
• Close in a prayer, thanking God for His love and the love that your family shows each other.

Does your family have a tradition of sharing thankfulness? I hope that you will comment below!

Happy Thanksgiving to all of our Christian Children’s Authors readers and their families –

Carol