Gratitude and The Grinch
Howard and I trade off teaching a primary class at church. We have four 10 year old boys in our class. They are frequently less than excited about being in class, which always provides a challenge for us as we try to keep the lesson on topic and relevant to them. Today the lesson began by talking about choices and consequences. I suppose I should have expected the lesson just post Thanksgiving to turn to the topic of gratitude, also Christmas presents, because talking about Christmas gifts is a sure way to have their full attention. I was trying to think how to make clear to the boys why we should be thankful even when we are not happy about what we receive, when I spotted Howard’s tie. It features a full length picture of Dr. Suess’ Grinch.
I then reminded the boys of the story of The Grinch Who Stole Christmas. I asked the boys what the Whos did when they woke up Christmas morning and found that their presents, tree, food, and decorations had all been stolen. It took the boys a minute because the focus of the story is really on the Grinch, but then they remembered that the Whos simply gathered around an empty space and started singing joyful/thankful songs. The song of the Whos was what triggered the change and growth in the Grinch. I then asked the boys what they thought would have happened if the Whos had instead cried and lamented. I could see the light of realization in the boys’ eyes as they pictured the Grinch rejoicing over the sadness of the Whos and dumping Christmas over the cliff. The Whos had nothing, but they chose to be grateful. The result of that gratitude was the return of all their Christmas things and a new friend in the Grinch.
The choice to be grateful always brings a reward. The reward may not be as huge and flashy as the one that came to the Whos, but the reward will always be there. True gratitude does not seek the reward, but always receives it.