In all things give thanks!
Today, I wore some of my Christmas gifts given to me by my granddaughters, when I went out to lunch with my girlfriend. One such gifts was a red scarf with circles of green, blue and red snowflakes. While it is not a Vicuna, or a Hermes scarf, it is worth more than either of those because it was chosen and given with love for me. And another of my granddaughters bought me a leather cord necklace with a pretty cross hanging from it. It came from the same exclusive boutique as the aforementioned gift, (Santa’s Shop at school) it is as priceless as if it came from Cartier’s. Why? Because you can’t buy love, and that is what these gifts represent when given by my grandchildren. But the best way to kill that enthusiasm and love is not to be grateful. When I left the house this morning sporting the necklace and scarf their little eyes lit up as the six-year-old said, “You really like the scarf I bought you don’t you!” “Yes,” I said, “How do I look?” “Very pretty!” Now how do you put a price on that? How would they feel if I stuffed them in a drawer and they never saw me wear them?
My mother could make you feel as though every gift given to her was the most important gift she had ever received. I hope I can emulate even a fraction of her finesse when receiving any and all gifts. She also taught me to always be grateful and to say thank you. And I have tried to inspire my children to do the same. I try to send thank you notes whenever a kindness is shown to me. She gave me a legacy I hope to pass down that will build other people’s knowledge of any kindnesses they do, matters.
As parents it is important to teach our children to be grateful and satisfied. Teach them at an early age to send thank you notes to people. Teach them to be grateful for the food on their table and the warm bed they sleep in. But most of all teach them to be thankful for the gift of eternal life, the greatest gift ever given.
We as authors usually let our heroes and heroines have the milk of human kindness running through their veins. The reason for this is because we want to be appreciated in our real lives the way we depict this act on paper. We need to live what we write.
Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
I Thessalonians 5:16-18
But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
I Corinthians 15:57
And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
Colossians 3:15&17
Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;
Ephesians 5:20