THANKFULNESS

 ““Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

Thesalonians 5: 16-18

Last week, a parent commented that their family is getting ready for Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is celebrated in many countries around the world and is rooted in religious and historical significance including giving thanks to God and giving thanks for the harvest. Not understanding the celebration, I think that it is always pertinent to reflect on the importance of gratitude and the impact on our lives. What are we truly thankful for and do we show our gratitude and appreciation to others? 

Gratitude is more than just a warm feeling; it's a mindset that can significantly improve our lives. Researchers have found that practising thankfulness has a myriad of benefits, both for individuals and communities. When we express gratitude, our brains release feel good hormones, such as dopamine and serotonin, which boost our mood and overall wellbeing. A thankful outlook can reduce stress, improve sleep quality, and even enhance our immune system.

I am often thankful that I am a part of the St Bede’s community. At St Bede’s, we believe in the power of thankfulness as a community. We are thankful for our dedicated educators who inspire our students daily, our supportive parents who make our school a nurturing environment, and, most importantly, our wonderful students who bring life to our school. 

Our students can be heard expressing thanks, but are these just words and good manners or is this a display of real gratitude? One of the simplest ways to cultivate thankfulness is by making a conscious effort to count our blessings. Parents and teachers can lead by example and share and show your own gratitude. These conversations help children develop their own sense of thankfulness and understand the importance of acknowledging the good things that surround them.

At St Bede’s we encourage our students to express their gratitude not only within the school community but also beyond. Acts of kindness, charity, and giving back can be wonderful ways to share the blessings we have received. As we approach the end of year and Christmas, we will be organising various events that help others and instil a spirit of thankfulness and empathy.

Life is full of ups and downs, joys and challenges, but even in the midst of difficulties, we can find reasons to be thankful. The verse above encourages us to maintain a spirit of gratitude, not only during the good times but especially during the tough moments.

Let's make thankfulness a part of our daily routines, as it brings joy, unity, and strength to our school community. Let us all embrace the spirit of thankfulness and continue to nurture a culture of gratitude here at St Bede’s.

Regards

Andrew