Saturday, December 12, 2009

And He called a child to Himself and stood him in their midst, and said, "Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you shall not enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever then humbles himself as this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 18:2-4 NASV

On the first Wednesday in November I asked a group of 3rd-5th grade boys to write "Thank You" notes to God. Their notes warmed my heart. I hope they warm yours, as well. Here is what they wrote:

Dear God, I am thankful for family, friends, food and Hannah. Bailey (labeled drawing of each family member including Hannah the dog, two friends food and clothing)

Dear God, I am thankful for family, dad, Reagan, Hayden, food, friends, water, clothes, and God. Caleb (labeled pictures of each)

Dear God, Thank you for my brother. I know me and Jon fight, but without my brother I would be alone and sad. Love, Chandler (picture of him and his brother on a playset)

Dear God, Thank you for my family and friends, water, food and all the other wonderful things you made. Thank you for the holidays and seasons and other stuff. Grant (picture of his family and friends)

Dear God, I am thankful for my friends [Ranger] John McCallum and Caleb. John D. (picture of each)

Dear God, Thank you for family, friends, for just being alive. I just thank you for mankind. Love Keith (drawing of a tree)

Dear God, I am thankful for a family, food, juice, water and punch. Thank you for school and work. I am also thankful for a ring and it is cool. Sincerely, Owula (picture of himself with a ring on his hand)

Dear God, I am thankful for my DSI. I really don't need it, but I am glad I have it. Praise (with picture of the game)

Dear God, Thank you for your love and kindness. We love you so much. You are holy. You are the best God. From Ryan D. (picture of tree, birds and grass)

Dear God, Thank you for water, church, family, food and shelter. Ryan O. (picture of each item)

Dear God, I am thankful for my family, shelter and everything. Tyler (picture of God on the throne of his heart with the words "God in my heart. I will try.")

Dear God, Thank you for Ryan and Keith and me and Ryan 2. Xavier (picture of each boy)

Dear God, Thank you for homes, money, You, friends, family, food, water, nteligents, safety, air and clothes. (unsigned, but the drawing was Jesus on the throne of his heart)

Dear God, Thank you for my family, friends, food, house, water and nature. (unsigned)

Our Father, forgive me for my sense of self importance and my preoccupation with things like money, status and power. Help me to see with the eyes of a child the wonders of this world that You have created. Thank You for the blessings of food, water, shelter and work and the wonderful gifts you have given me that are my family and friends. Take Your throne in my heart Lord Jesus. Amen

~Ben Overbey