Feel free to read through this entire meditation and then go for it as you like.
Cycle through the sections once or multiple times, in order or mix it up. Enjoy!
Find
Find an object, preferably something outside, that reminds you of a tree. Example: leaf or stick. I will use a ‘leaf’ as my example.
Reflect
Hold your ‘leaf’ and think of your family tree. Sit for a few minutes in silence and let your mind roam around ‘family tree’ and let whatever thoughts regarding this phrase come to mind. Try to include your senses with your leaf. What do you see/feel/smell with your leaf? If you are outside, can you hear the wind in the trees? Or the crunch of leaves? Or the creak of tall trunks? I can’t recommend tasting the leaf…but?! Enjoy this and let your mind and senses come together for your thoughts.
Consider
Some questions to consider, although you may have your own question today.
Who is in your family tree? Include biological and non-biological connections!
What are you thankful for in your unique family tree?
Who are you thankful for in this tree?
What season is your family tree in right now?
What scars does your tree carry?
Where has it grown?
What has your tree overcome?
What has your tree lost?
Where are you surprised by the tree?
Has your tree planted other trees?
Bible
What does Jesus say about family? About thankfulness? There are SO many places to look…
And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” Mark 1:11
You could also look at Mark 3:14, 3:33-35, 10:28-31,15:40, and John 19:25-27
Listen
Spend a few more minutes listening. What is the Holy Spirit, living within you, speaking to you, saying today about Family and Thankfulness?
Action
How can you express some of your thankfulness to your family tree?
Who can you invite or include in your family tree?
Or maybe you have a different action to take?
Remember
Trace/color/paint the leaf in your journal or on a loose piece of paper to remind you of whatever may have come up for you today.
…May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father who has enabled you to share the inheritance that belongs to God’s holy people, who live in the light.
Colossians 1:11-12
