Saying “I Thank You” Often
Saying “I Thank You” Often
After “I love you,” I think the next most important three-word phrase should be “I thank you.”
Gratitude, thanks, approval, even blessing is sorely needed today. How often we fail to express our appreciation–leaving the one who deserves it feeling unappreciated, overlooked, neglected, or hurt. I’m trying hard to remedy that fault myself.
I was alerted to this great need when a friend made some beautiful gifts to bless others. I later learned some people never thanked her. Personally, I was thrilled with my gift from such a creative artist.
Do we sometimes take people for granted? Do we think what they did for us was no big deal? Or are we too busy and just forget to express thanks? Or maybe we fail to consider it might have been a sacrifice of their time and talent.
How about spreading generous words of thanks to those from work, in the neighborhood, where we shop or enjoy activities? Even in our homes.
While still experiencing restrictions during the pandemic, we could brighten the day for those who provide us services by expressing our thanks to: grocery and department store workers, nurses and assistants in doctor’s offices, teachers, pharmacists, and numerous others who perform everyday things for us simply because it is their job. Maybe it was not easy for them to show up for their “duty” considering their own home situations and work hours!
A friend whose job is to both cashier and stock shelves told me how inconsiderate some customers are—complaining and blaming him when the store does not have items they came to buy. However, he said he feels encouraged and uplifted when any customer says upon leaving, “Thanks. Have a good day.”
Throughout the Bible we find numerous “thank-yous” and most are directed to thanking God. Some, especially in the New Testament, encourage us to thank others. Paul wrote Timothy about “giving of thanks be made for all men.” (I Timothy 2:1).
Now is a good time to commit to express our gratitude and appreciation to others with a great big, “I THANK YOU.”
Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me be more mindful to express thanks to people who are there when I need them and to others who bless me in multiple ways. Thank You too for all You have done and continue to do for me. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Scriptures: And in the midst of everything be always giving thanks, for this is God’s perfect plan for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:18 TPT)
My prayers for you are full of praise to God as I give him thanks for you with great joy! (Philippians 1:3-4 TPT)
Therefore, I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceful life in all godliness and reverence. (1 Timothy 2:1-2 NKJV)
O give thanks to the Lord of lords! For His mercy endures forever. (Psalm 136:3 NKJV)
See my book Cast Your Shadow: Influence on Purpose. Available on Amazon.
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