“An Attitude of Gratitude”

Media Alert!

November 2025

BLOG #72

Sue Summers

MediaSavvyKids.org

“Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what He wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.” Romans 12:2 (The Message)

“An Attitude of Gratitude”

We all like happy endings in a novel, a theatrical performance, a movie, and other forms of entertainment. But is a happy ending enough? What else earns the description of “heartwarming”? The ingredient seems to be good deeds that solve problems or end struggles for others and are followed by displays of gratitude. The movie classic, “It’s A Wonderful Life”, is a great example. As the great Roman thinker Marcus Tullius Cicero wrote over two millennia ago, “Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all others.”

Social media is overflowing with rants, opinions, debates, comments, and observations… but rarely is gratitude at the heart of these postings. The nightly news fills viewers with the latest happenings – some sad and distressing, others just facts and circumstances that fill the prescribed minutes of the newscasts.

Our children and teens have scheduled lives that are saturated with school, sports, clubs, lessons, church, and various events. Does the average family take the time to notice incidents of virtue during their busy days?

By watching TV, it would appear that the American culture is bursting with entertainment options, shopping, sporting events, celebrities, politics, and affluent lifestyles. But rarely is there a directed focus on all we have and how it should invoke feelings of gratitude.

“Gratitude is more than just a simple ‘thank you;’ it’s a transformative approach to life. 

Maintaining a sense of thankfulness can shift our focus from what we lack to the abundance that already exists in our lives — creating a ripple effect of positivity. 

Embracing gratitude can lead to greater happiness, better health, and stronger relationships. It’s backed by science and is a mindset that has been celebrated across cultures and philosophies for centuries.” (https://www.goodgoodgood.co/articles/gratitude-quotes)

In the well-known fiction novel, consider Robinson Crusoe:

“Marooned alone on an unknown island with no apparent prospect of rescue or escape, Crusoe has much to lament.

But instead of giving in to despair, he makes a list of things for which he is grateful, including the fact that he is the shipwreck’s sole survivor and has been able to salvage many useful items from the wreckage.” (https://www.goodgoodgood.co/articles/power-of-gratitude-thank-you-note)

But in real life, there is often a lack of thankfulness:

“During the 18^th century, Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, had a lifesaving squad that would rescue passengers who ran into trouble while boating on Lake Michigan. On September 8, 1860, a passenger boat called Lady Elgin floundered near Evanston. People were at risk of drowning. A ministerial student from Northwestern University named Edward Spencer put his own life in jeopardy to rescue seventeen people. This incredible feat of strength, energy, and exertion did permanent damage to his health.

Years later, when he was asked by a reporter what he most recalled about the rescue, Edward said, ‘Of the seventeen people I saved, none of them thanked me.’

It’s hard to believe that people whose lives were at such risk, who were rescued by the heroic actions of someone else, would not say thank you.” (“Pausing to Praise”, Tonya Blessing)

How does gratitude make a difference? Consider these words:

“Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.”

— William Arthur Ward

“Have gratitude for all that you have, and you can be happy exactly as you are.” — Mandy Ingber

“It’s not happy people who are thankful – it’s thankful people who are happy.” — Joyce Meyer

“This is a wonderful day. I have never seen this one before.” — Maya Angelou

And perhaps the best quote:

“When asked if my cup is half-full or half-empty, my only response is that I am thankful I have a cup.” — Sam Lefkowitz

These quotes simply reveal the seminal Truth of our Lord Jesus Christ who in Colossians 3:15 urges “… and be thankful.”

Life is busy. Schedules are demanding. Stress is rampant. Slow down and take time to express gratitude for all you have.

So how can we help teens become media-savvy about the culture that surrounds them?

Let’s move gratitude into the central thinking of the teens in your sphere of influence. It’s easy to dismiss the words, “Thank you!”, as unnecessary or trite, but expressions of gratitude make a difference to both the giver and the recipient. Here are some discussion starters to help initiate the process.

• The most meaningful way to impact teens is by modeling appropriate behavior. Be sure to thank family members and others when they act kindly or give something to another.

• As you watch a TV program or movie, notice whether the characters were grateful for any gifts or good deeds they received. Discuss this aspect at the conclusion of the show.

• Ask, “What does gratitude mean? Do you see examples of expressed gratitude at school, at church, in your community, or among your friends?”

• Share and discuss this quote by Mandy Ingber:

“Have gratitude for all that you have, and you can be happy exactly as you are.”

• Share, “Let’s read Psalm 7:17 in The Living Bible:

‘Oh, how grateful and thankful I am to the Lord because he is so good. I will sing praise to the name of the Lord who is above all lords.’

The Bible stresses the importance of praise. What do you think is the relationship between praise and gratitude? Let’s think of some specific reasons we should thank God.”

• Ask, “Do you think it’s important to thank others every day? How do you feel when you receive an expression of gratitude, and how do you feel when you give one? How can thanking someone impact that relationship?”

• Share and discuss this quote:

“Saying thank you is more than just good manners. It is also a way of expressing gratitude, appreciation, and recognition for someone’s efforts or kindness. Saying thank you can strengthen relationships, boost morale, and create a positive atmosphere. It can also improve your own well-being, as gratitude is linked to happiness and life satisfaction.” (www.believeinmind.com/mindset/importance-of-saying-thank-you)

• Share and discuss this scripture:

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

1 Thessalonians. 5:18 (NIV)

• Ask, “Could showing appreciation and gratitude towards others actually change the world?”

• Note: Share this blog with your church’s youth pastor as a lesson for youth group gatherings.

//

Sue Summers is a Christian media analyst, teacher, author, and speaker.

She is the Director of Media Alert!

Contact Info:

Blogs: MediaSavvyKids.org

Website: http://www.MediaAlert.org

Email: Sue@MediaAlert.org

#MediaSavvyKids, #ChristianParenting, #ChurchAndCulture, #YouthPastors, #YouthGroupCurriculum, #HelpForChristianParents, #TeensAndCulture, #AChangingCulture, #CriticalThinkingAndTeens, #IAmNotDefinedByTheCulture, #Discernment, #AnAttitudeOfGratitude, #PraiseAndThanksgiving, #Let’sBeThankful!

Join the movement!

“I am not defined by the culture^®” tee shirts are now available.

Navy blue, men’s sizes: Medium – XL: $20; 2XL & 3XL: $23

FREE SHIPPING!

PayPal is now available for purchases at: http://www.MediaAlert.org

© Sue Summers 2025