“Thank You!”

One of the first lessons Dad and Mom taught me, was to say, Thank You… There are many reasons to say ‘Thank You’.

How I wish I had used the heartfelt phrase more often when I was growing up! So many times when I could have thanked those around me for their love and caring – God and my parents first.

I began thinking of reasons to say ‘thank you‘ in my life. Perhaps I hesitated saying a thank you. Because it was considered more cool to use a ‘put-down’, a squelch, a ‘dig’, rather than looking into the eyes of a person and saying a joyful ‘Thank You’.

As I think of my childhood, I think about the times when my parents gave that extra ‘loving-you’ gift that told of their love. Countless things Dad and Mom made to give me, the many hours Mom spent teaching me to play the piano, and the times that Dad was my #1 Critique Master when I sang a song as Mom accompanied me. Although it was difficult for him to carry a tune, he knew when music was good. I can still see him in his chair in the corner of the living room, listening intently. The crinkles around his eyes spoke of a ready sense of humor and laughter.

Then my brothers. How often we three played together, no matter whether it was baseball, a green walnut fight, de-feathering chickens, helping Mom can a variety of fruits and vegetables, listening to Dad’s Sunday School stories. We were very close. Did I ever say thank you to Jim and Gene? Did I appreciate their friendship and brother-ship? We simply accepted that we were ‘family’ in every sense and continued the growing-up business.

While sorting things for the big move, I found card after card from my dear husband declaring his love and thank you’s through the years. Does he really understand how important he continues to be to me?

One of the dearest gifts we have received were two children’s books from our children with their memories of our life together. A true ‘thank you’ personal gift.

https://emilys-snippets.com2008/10/thank-you-children.html We will always cherish these books.

Then there are the cards and letters from our children that in essence say “Thank you” to us for being their parents. No matter how many mistakes we made as parents, they are still appreciative. Who knew, as they grew up in our homes that all too soon they would write a ‘thank you’ that blesses us.

What does a ‘thank you’ mean? A ‘thank you’ gives worth to another. A ‘thank you’ comes from a humble and grateful heart. A ‘thank you’ is looking outside of your own needs and being aware of some one else’s caring and sacrifice. A need for thank you in a church family is often heard and practiced, especially in our church family.

When something wonderful happened while I grew up, I often heard Mom’s voice ring out, Praise God from whom all blessings flow. Praise God, all creatures here below; Praise Him above, ye heavenly host Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost.

It didn’t matter who was around, when the urge to thank God came, Mom sang. Does this thankfulness come with age? Does it come without teaching to be thankful? Being thankful for little things is taught at an early age and does not automatically descend upon one with age. It is an attitude of gratefulness and humility.

Thank you comes easily to me when I walk and look into the unfathomable clouds above me. I swing my arms open wide and say, “Thank you, God”!

Dear Lord, Thank You
That is all I can say
For Words fail me, as I
Think of you this day.
Thank you, thank you,
Each moment, it is true.

Thank you, God for being my Rock, my Deliverer, my Healer, my Advocate, my Shepherd, My Bright Morning Star, My Prince of Peace, The Almighty, My Creator, The Ancient of Days, The Alpha, My All in All. Even the skies are cannot hold all my thank you’s to our Lord God.

Even Jesus gave thanks. He thanked God, His Father. He often gave thanks, and in doing so taught us to be thankful.

• So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. John 11:41

And we are admonished to give thanks! Here are two scriptures than example our thankful hearts.

• And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17

• Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. I Thessalonians 5:18

And we give thanks for others. So many times another’s Christian actions emboldens my walk with our Lord:

• I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. Ephesians 1:16

• How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you? I Thessalonians 3:9

And the final most important prayer and prayer that gives of the genesis of thankfulness!

• “We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty, the One who is and who was, because you have taken your great power and have begun to reign. Revelation 11:17