Do you write thank you notes? It seems to me you’re either one who always writes them or you never write them. If you grew up in the south, you probably didn’t have a choice. You were taught from a very young age it was “just what you do.”
Not only are children taught to write thank you notes, they’re also taught to say thank you to people. You’ve seen it happen. A small child is given something and the parent gently touches the child’s shoulder and says “What do you say?” prompting them to produce the appropriate “thank you” to the donor. While children go through the motions as adults we choose to be people of gratitude or not.
Saying thank you is something very simple to do, but it carries great impact. Have you ever noticed the face of a sales clerk if you genuinely thank them for taking care of you? I have seen sour faces turn to smiles and hopelessness turn to hope simply by pausing from my “to do” list long enough to say thank you and mean it.
This morning when I signed on the computer I found a note from a high school student. She had taken the time to write me and let me know how much she appreciated my investment in the middle school FCA program the past four years. She shared how I had impacted her life for good and she wanted to thank me. With over 300 students a year passing through the doors of FCA, I must confess I can’t remember this young lady. I am certain I couldn’t pick her out of a crowd; however, she took the time to thank me and now I will never forget her. You never know the impact your gratitude makes on another. Sometimes the Lord allows you to see it and sometimes not.
God reminds us over and over of the power of “thank you” and admonishes us to make it a practice, starting with Him. 1 Chronicles 16:8 says “Give thanks to the LORD, call on His name; make known among the nations what He has done.” Giving thanks to God is a way to testify to others of His goodness. Psalm 107:1 tells us “Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His love endures forever.” God is deserving of our thanks on a continual basis, no matter what our circumstances are presently. He died on the cross for our sins [John 3:16]. If He never answered another prayer or even looked our way, He is deserving of our gratitude.
Having said that, I want to take a moment to say thank you to all of you. You faithfully read my blog and have blessed me more than you will ever know with your comments and emails of encouragement. Thank you for meeting me each morning and pouring over whatever God has for us each day. Time is a precious commodity and I appreciate you taking up yours to read each day.
Take the opportunity today to let another know how much you appreciate them. You won’t be able to contain the blessings you’ll receive in return.