It is my theory that when thankfulness is expressed, a heart will grow even more thankful. Thankfulness yields thankfulness. It’s a cycle that grows when repeated.

To test the hypothesis, this November our family has “planted” a tree in our living room.

Every day, Nov. 1-30, we will each consider what we are thankful for, and record that on a leaf. We will pray together as a family, thanking God for those blessings. Then that leaf will be added to our Thanksgiving Tree. If we have family, friends or other guests over, they can also add a leaf to the tree. As the month progresses, the tree will grow and record the blessings God has given us, and remind us just how much God deserves our praise and thanks.

Tonight our first leaves were “Daddy”, “Mommy”, “God loves me” and “Music to worship with”.

Join us in this Thankfulleaves experiment! Set up your tree wherever your whole family will see it. You could make a poster, fill the refrigerator door, draw on a white board or pin leaves to a cork board. Whatever the method, recording your blessings together is the key. This would also be a great Thanksgiving Day project for a family gathering.

Let’s fill our homes with praise this November!

Shout with joy to the Lord, all the earth!
Worship the Lord with gladness.
Come before him, singing with joy.
Acknowledge that the Lord is God!
He made us, and we are his.
We are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving;
go into his courts with praise.
Give thanks to him and praise his name.
For the Lord is good.
His unfailing love continues forever,
and his faithfulness continues to each generation.

– Psalm 100