Lauren Kent

We have a 20 minute car ride to school every morning. It had become torture. Parker and John Barton would argue most of the ride. I would turn the music up loud, then louder. The journey had become unbearable.

So, I prayed. Prayer, followed by quiet. Listening. I used to pray and then move on to the next task. But, I’ve learned to pray and just be. It doesn’t have to be long, a few minutes.

Gratefulness entered my mind.  I’ve learned when sadness starts in to journal what I’m thankful for. If it works for me, maybe it will work for them. The next morning, the Gratefulness Project began. I ask Parker to name 3 things that she is thankful for. Then, I ask John Barton to name his 3, which is always amusing. Sometimes his response is “Everything God created,” which means he is not in the mood to participate.

I will share 3 things I journaled that morning. One of the kids will pray out loud and then they will watch a short Youtube kids devotional on my phone. We’ve went from stress and anxiety to adding a positive routine into our day. I actually look forward to our morning car rides. Their little faces light up as they talk about their cousins, the sunrise, and what fun event they have coming up at school. It is magical. 🙂

What routines have you added that impact your life?

What are you grateful for?