Grace at meals.

AIM:   

Being grateful to God for things that we otherwise take for granted. Particularly, true for us in this country where poverty is not visible - and hence our kids can feel a disconnect with real life situations of want, hunger and need.

About this class:  

Gratitude doesn't come naturally to our children. It is learnt. 
One way would be to lead by example: 
Easy to take for granted but a life long invaluable lesson is "Please" & "Thank-you" . 
Notice and focus on nature around us. Be Vocal about the sunlight, the wind, the breeze, the chirping of birds. 
Tell the kids to help around. That way, they learn about labour and "work of our hands". They will begin to feel for all the hard work their moms put in every day. 
Encourage the kids to be a part of community or group that "gives", after all kids learn by imitation. They do what they see. 
Remind kids of those less fortunate, and encourage generosity in little things. 
Remind kids that its not a bad thing when their parents don't always give them what they ask for. In fact  they do it because they love them (the kids) so much!
Show appreciation for the little things, in this case, food on our table. 

Look at these children. What do you see? 

Are they happy? 

Why do you think they are happy? 

Would you be happy, if you were there with them? 

Why? 

They look happy to me. What do you think? Do you know why they are happy? I think, its because they are just happy to be with their friends and family and have food to eat. 

Would you be happy if I gave this food to you to eat? 

Do you know that you are very lucky and very blessed here today to come to class with a full stomach, clothes on you, and a nice, clean classroom to learn in? 

It could have been any one of us there. But God chose that you would be here today. 

Let us promise ourselves that we will not fuss over the food our mums prepare for us and be thankful to God that we have whatever we do have. 

Do you know how we got food? 

Lets start at the beginning: 

First of all we need to wheat or rice. 

Lets see , we will need a field and we need a farmer. 

The farmer will first need to plough the land. 

After ploughing the land, he will need to plant seeds. 

After planting the seeds, he will need to water the plants and wait for a good rain. Without rain, we will have no water and then the plants wont grow. That means no food. 

Who provides us with rain? God!! Yes, so we patiently wait for rain and water our plants. 

While the farmer waits for wheat to grow, he will continue to care for the crop by making sure other birds and animals don't destroy the crops. He makes sure there is enough manure for the plants to grow well. In the end, the farmer harvests the crop. 

It does not end here, he then has to store it properly and again protect the crop from pests. The crops are then sold, sorted, cleaned. 

It is then taken to factories or mills to make flour. 

Flour is then taken to another factory to make bread. The bread is then packed and sent to shops , where we buy from and it reaches our table. 

In the same way, there are many hands that work for food to reach our table. Most of all, our mums have worked hard to cook and prepare a nutritious meal for us. 

We need to be thankful to our parents for the food we have and not always fuss. 

When you go home today, thank your parents and pray for all the hands that have helped to get you your food. 

Pray for all those who are not as unfortunate as you. 

Above all Thank God. 

GRACE BEFORE MEALS: 

Bless us, O Lord, and these thy gifts, which we are about to receive from your bounty, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

GRACE AFTER MEALS: 

We give you thanks, Almighty God, for all the benefits. 

Who lives and reigns forever and ever. Amen.May, the Lord grant us His peace and life everlasting. Amen.

LET US PRAY : 

We Thank-you Lord for your kindness. Thank-you Lord for the things we take for granted. Thank-you for life, our parents, health and food. 

Bless everyone who helps us Lord, especially those whom we do not see. 

Bless the farmers around the world. 

Bless our parents. Bless the world and Bless us. 

Especially bless the children around the world. 

Amen.