The attitude is gratitude

To show that a positive attitude, created by being grateful, can be transforming.

by The Revd Guy Donegan-Cross

Suitable for Whole School (Pri)

Aims

To show that a positive attitude, created by being grateful, can be transforming.

Preparation and materials

• You will need a picture of St Paul’s Cathedral.

Assembly

1. Find out who has been to London and/or seen St Paul’s Cathedral. Show the picture of St Paul’s. Explain how the building was a marvel of its time, designed by Sir Christopher Wren in the seventeenth century. Tell this story about three workmen who worked on it.
   
   The noted English architect Sir Christopher Wren was supervising the construction of a magnificent cathedral in London. A journalist thought it would be interesting to interview some of the workers, so he chose three and asked them this question, ‘What are you doing?’
   
   The first replied, ‘I'm cutting stone for 10 shillings a day.’ The next answered, ‘I'm putting in 10 hours a day on this job.’ But the third said, ‘I'm helping Sir Christopher Wren construct one of London's greatest cathedrals.’
2. Ask what was different about the third worker? Elicit the fact that he had a much more positive attitude. Say how attitude can change anything.
3. Tell the following story as dramatically as possible.
   
   A man was walking along a road when he spied a farmer. He approached him and said, ‘Sir, I have travelled a long way and am thinking of settling in the next town. Tell me, what kind of people are there?’
   
   The farmer asked, ‘What kind of people were in the town you left?’
   
   The man replied, ‘Oh, it wasn’t so good. The people there were selfish, and indifferent, just out for themselves. Couldn’t care less about you or what happened.’
   
   The farmer said, ‘You’ll find the same kind of folks in the next town.’ The man thanked him and went in another direction.
   
   Later that day, another traveller passed by and said to the farmer, ‘Sir, I have travelled a long way and am thinking of settling in the next town. Tell me, what kind of people are there?’
   
   The farmer asked, ‘What kind of people were in the town you left?’
   
   The man replied, ‘It was hard to leave. The people rejoiced with you in the good times and helped you in the bad times. It wasn’t perfect but the people were basically good and friendly.’
   
   The farmer said, ‘You’ll find the same kind of folks in the next town.’
4. Explain how the second person’s attitude meant that he would have a much more positive outlook.

Time for reflection

Reflection

Ask the children to be quiet and ask them to think of something or someone they are grateful for today.

Prayer

Dear God,

Help me to be hopeful

and grateful for all you give
Amen.

Song/music

‘Give me oil in my lamp’ (Come and Praise, 43)