by Janice Kerper Brauer

The third-graders worked intently at their desks-markers, scissors and glue at the ready. It was nearing Thanksgiving and they were making colorful ears of corn out of construction paper. The teacher asked them to write on each ear of corn something for which they are thankful. A happy buzz filled the room as the little scholars worked away.

Later that week, I discovered the results of this labor in my son's backpack. He had crafted three ears of corn, brightly colored with yellows, oranges and browns, and bound together with a piece of raffia twine. As I read what he had written on each ear, I was struck by the unassuming wisdom in each statement.

I am thankful for my stuffed animals because they provide friends and help me get to sleep.

Everybody needs friends. Caring companions (of the human or animal variety) meet a deep need for belonging, a need God planted in each one of us. That's why God created families. God places the lonely in families (Psalm 68:6a). Brothers and sisters in Christ, in particular, enrich our lives immeasurably. They help us get through the days and nights with calmness and joy.

I am thankful for my mom and dad because they buy me food, and I have someone to trust.

My son doesn't worry about whether or not there will be cereal in the cupboard or milk in the frig or dinner on the table. Besides food and other necessities, however, there is a deeper need-a need for someone trustworthy in our lives, someone who will always be there and always love us. It is both a privilege and responsibility to be that "someone" in a child's life. It is an even greater privilege to introduce our children to the Savior they can trust for eternity, the One who assures them: I will never leave you or forsake you (Hebrew 13:5).

I am thankful for the Bible because I love God.

God's Word is one of our richest treasures. It is an eternal source of wisdom, guidance, comfort and strength. The Word of our God stands forever (Isaiah 40:8). It also reveals the character of God-just, yet full of mercy, forgiveness and love. Each night at bedtime my son and I read God's Word together and talk about what we learn about our wonderful God.

Stumbling across this old school project in the back of my son's closet has brought a smile to my face this fall morning. Another Thanksgiving approaches, and I find myself wondering the same thing I wondered many years ago: How did he know? How did an eight-year-old know that when our deepest needs-for belonging, for someone to trust, for God and His Word-are met, then we truly have reason to be thankful?