Keys For Kids Devotional: Count Your BlessingsSample

SUPER-SAWYER PRAISE 

Sawyer was kicking the soccer ball around in the front yard when his dad drove up.

"Hey, Sawyer-man," Dad said as he got out of the car. "How's it going?"

Sawyer shrugged. "I don't think I did a very good job on my spelling test at school today. And it was supposed to be my turn to feed the class hamster, but Ross said it was his turn. Then I spilled my milk all over the lunch table. And I have tons of homework!" He sighed. "So, not that great."

"I'm sorry you had a rough day," Dad said. "But did you know that even on the tough days, God wants you to say thank you?"

Sawyer wrinkled his forehead. "He does?"

Dad nodded. "Sometimes you may not feel like it, but that's when you need to do it the most," he explained. "Because you trust in Jesus, He will help you be thankful, even when things are difficult. And reminding yourself of all He's done to save you and everything He's blessed you with so you can thank Him for it will make you feel better and give you strength. Start by talking to Him--just like you're talking to me. Tell Him how you're feeling and why, and then start saying thank you to Him." 

Dad scooped up the soccer ball. "Time for some Super-Sawyer praise!" he exclaimed as he pretended to flex his muscles. "Ready?" He tossed the ball at Sawyer. "I'm thankful you're my son!" he shouted. 

Sawyer caught the ball. "I'm thankful I'm your son too!" He tossed the ball back to Dad. 

"Is that a smile I see?" Dad asked with a grin as he threw the ball to Sawyer.

Sawyer knee-bumped the ball back to Dad. "I'm thankful I can play outside."

"I'm thankful we can talk to Jesus anytime," Dad said, stopping the ball with his foot and then kicking it back to Sawyer.

Sawyer and Dad kept the ball going back and forth as they shouted out things they were thankful for. With each toss and kick of the ball and each thank you to God, Sawyer started to feel lighter somehow. He decided he was going to start saying thank you to Jesus a whole lot more. 

– KELLY HOPE

HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you ever had a day when things just didn’t seem to go right? Get out some colored markers or crayons and start making your own thank-you list. When you’re finished, post the list where you can see it every day. This will help remind you that there’s always something to be thankful to Jesus for. Whenever you see your list, thank Him for everything He’s given you.

KEY VERSE
Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord! (Psalm 150:6, NIV)

TODAY’S KEY
Praise and thank God.