No matter how you say it, the meaning gets across. Whether it’s a Gracias, Merci, Arigato, Danke, Mahalo, a head knod, or a leaving a generous tip, they all say about the same thing. A sincere Thank you demonstrates appreciation for what others have done. It is a sign of selflessness. How many times a day do you say thank you? Whether out of habit, as we teach kids to do the same, or out of genuine gratitude, do you express your thanks very often? It is probably not something we think much about, except on Thanksgiving, or when we are going through difficult times, but taking inventory of what we have to be thankful for is a good thing to do on a regular basis. A heart of gratitude will change your attitude.
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever. Psalm 136:1
In terms of wealth and material resources, if you live in the United States, you have much to thankful for. While wealth distribution is uneven around most of the world, it is more balanced here than in most countries. Access to food, clean water, clothing and other resources are things most of us take for granted, but may be more questionable in many areas. We can compare our situation to anyone who appears to have more and grumble, but when compared to most people, we should be grateful. Then again, if we are constantly comparing what we have, maybe there is a deeper issue we should be considering.
But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:20-21
So does our thanks to others or to God ever get old? Do you ever get burned out on giving thanks? Maybe if you are a greeter and ‘have to’ thank everyone regardless of your genuine level of appreciation, but I would propose that the more you say ‘thank you’, the more thankful you become. When I take time before each meal to thank the One who provided it, it serves as a reminder that all I have is from Him. It tunes me in to the fact that everything I have (including my life) is quite fleeting, and I ought not to take it for granted. It brings my heart back to a place of humility, and that is usually a good place for all of us to be on a regular basis. When we go unchecked, other things tend to sneak in and take the place of gratitude, generosity, and love.
But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God. 2 Timothy 3:1-4
So, look for opportunities to express your gratitude in some way each day. If not for your own benefit, so that others may know they are appreciated. When we are acknowledged for the little things we do and the kindness we show, it is a tiny validation and a reminder that it is ok to do the right thing, even if we are not praised for it. It is ok to count your blessings when other things in your life may be out of control. It is ok to thank God when we have much to be thankful for, and even when we don’t. As you sit down to eat your next meal, take a moment to thank the One who gave you life, and for the big things and the little things in your life. Thanks for taking the time to consider this message.
I always thank my God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. 1 Corinthians 1:4
In Gratitude to Christ,
Clark
