Two simple words
Yesterday many people celebrated Mother’s Day. It’s the day we set aside each year to stop, and take a break from our busy schedules, to thank the person that made it all possible, their mother’s. I am still sweeping up the glitter from the cards made by my grandchildren to their mother, and I think if you walk behind me I may even be carrying some of it with me.
My mother had a way of making each card and gift that was given to her the most important one she’d ever received. She knew just what to say to elevate you to a feeling of euphoria, and you felt like you hit a home run. In my own life I can testify that my house groans under the weight of each and every memento my children have given me. Each carries its own special sweet memory that I don’t seem to be able to part with. I’m afraid I’m going to be leaving my children a monumental task of cleaning out all my memorabilia someday.
Besides making us feel special when we gave my mother a gift, we felt special again when in the mail we received a heartfelt thank you note. This is a lesson I have tried to instill in my children, and follow myself also. It is important to let people know that their kindness is appreciated and not taken for granted. If we each got what we deserved it would probably be something like coal in our stockings etc.. so take a moment to sit down and to write a thank you note expressing your appreciation of the time they spent thinking of you. Who doesn’t like to get mail? Every time I get a piece of personalized mail a grin spreads across my face and it makes me happy. “Occupant” on the other hand does not give me any pleasure whatsoever.
When was the last time you received a thank you note in the mail? When was the last time you sent a thank you note to someone? Two simple words, thank you, can mean the world to someone. I think we all should take time to thank God for our loved ones, His sacrifice, and our Salvation. And while we cannot send Him a thank you note in the mail, we can offer up praise and thanksgiving. The Bible tells us to: always have a grateful heart, and in all things give thanks.
As parents it is important for us to instill the lesson of thankfulness and gratitude into our children. They should never get everything they want, simply because they want it. And when they receive gifts they should be taught to sit down and write a thank you note for that gift. This is a way of teaching our children not to take things for granted.
We as authors make some of our heroes the strong silent type. They don’t want to admit they need help, and when received they don’t want to say thank you for it. I think we can remedy that simply by letting them be vulnerable and appreciative. The two simple words, thank you, are very powerful and should be said with sincerity.
In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
I Thessalonians 5:18
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 3:17
O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.
Psalms 136:1
Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name.
I Corniches 29:13
Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;
Ephesians 5:20