The Thank-You Walk

Bible Reading: Colossians 2:6-7; 3:17

“Grandma,” Zemirah sobbed, her brown eyes glistening with tears. “I miss Mom.”

“Oh, sweetheart,” Grandma soothed, hugging her. “I know it’s hard not being able to see your mom right now, but she’s at the hospital preparing for your new baby sister’s arrival. How about we make your favorite chocolate cookies and then we’ll have a thank-you walk?”

Zemirah nodded and dried her eyes, then followed Grandma to the kitchen to help her bake.

“Now, while we wait for them to cool, let’s go for our thank-you walk,” Grandma said after she placed the cookies on the cooling rack. She took a floral bag from a hook by the door on their way out.

“What’s a thank-you walk?” Zemirah asked as they strolled down to the beach. The waves lapped over the sand and the breeze tickled their skin.

“We walk and collect shells or pebbles for all the things we are thankful for. I’ll start.” Grandma scooped up a shell. “I’m glad I had the chance to love your grandpa for so many years and that he is with Jesus.”

Zemirah selected a shell. “I’m thankful for my cat, Fluffy.” She reached for another shell and added, “And for my family.”

Both of them continued picking up shells and dropping them into the bag. As Zemirah collected each one, she realized there were many blessings she was grateful for.

“I’m thankful for Grandma’s baking and that she takes me on walks to cheer me up,” Zemirah said, forgetting the worries churning inside her. Instead, she thought of everything that made her happy.

Soon the bag was bursting with shells. “Look how many we’ve collected!” exclaimed Zemirah. “I can’t believe it. Let’s make something in the sand.”

Grandma sat nearby on a rock while Zemirah laid out all the shells in the shape of a heart in the sand.

“Look, Grandma! I’ve made a heart with all the blessings we’ve been given. It’s a thank-you to God because He loves us so much and sent His Son, Jesus, to save us. Let’s take a photo to remember our special walk.”

Grandma took a picture with her phone, then Zemirah skipped back home alongside her, eager to enjoy the cookies they had baked. Having a baby sister was going to be fun!

-Cindy Lee

How About You?

Do you complain when you face difficulties or changes in your life? Sometimes it’s easy to grumble and dwell on our problems, but even during trials, it’s important to praise God and be thankful. Jesus loves us and wants us to be filled with the joy of knowing Him, even during hard times. He has given us so many blessings. What things or people in your life are you grateful for?

Today’s Key Verse:
1 Thessalonians 5:18 In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (NKJV)

Today’s Key Thought:

Be thankful