Gratitude Table Runner

Last month I found myself looking for a creative way for our family to express our daily gratitude. I thought about using a journal to document our thanksgiving, but I was not sure how long that would hold everyone's interest. Then I remembered the two rolls of drawing paper that we have had for years and decided that we would try a paper table runner.

Starting on June 2nd, and every night thereafter, each member of our family drew what they were thankful for from that day. Sometimes the children would want their drawing to be a secret reveal. Once everyone was finished we would talk about our daily gratitudes.

As a melancholic temperament (that's me), this was not always an easy task. This nightly tradition helped me to see the blessings of each day and to see it through the eyes of a child.

The children love the table runner! Mary insisted that we keep it. I thought, this might be fun to pull out several years from now. I am sure the children would love seeing how far they have come with their gratitude and drawings. Yes, there are a few splotches of food here and there, but I accepted this as a part of family life - messy. This mindset kept my perfectionism in check.

Tonight we started a new month with a new table runner, and by request from my husband, we are using colored pencils instead of crayons.

Supplies:

1) A roll of drawing paper. It measures 17.75" x 96' (cut to size for our table). This particular roll was purchased from Ikea.

2) Crayons, markers, pens, or colored pencils

Family Goals:

1) Grow in the virtue of gratitude.

2) Share the day with your loved ones.

3) Focus on the importance of recognizing our blessings and those around us.

4) Have fun!