Some refer to this time of year as the season of giving thanks… I’m wondering if God wants giving thanks to happen at a certain time of the year or every day of the year? Is it possible to walk through our day missing opportunities to thank others or, more importantly, to thank God for our blessings? Can you think of a recent time when you’ve said “thank you” to a cashier or wait staff? Do you thank someone who’s been kind enough to hold the door open at a store or give you a place in line because you only have one item? Do you practice the common courtesies of “please” and “thank-you” in your family? If not, you are missing the blessing that comes from giving thanks.
Thanking others for a simple kindness shows respect for what they’ve done. It honors them and shows that you do not expect the world to revolve around you. It shows that you put others first and that you realize that God cares for that person also. It shows that you are grateful for what you have received from God and that you understand the love, kindness (favor) and grace that He has poured into you! It shows His character reflected in you. It honors Him and blesses Him.
If you are a parent, a deep sense of joy fills you when your child begins to do the right thing… just because you asked. Later, you beam when they do the right thing simply because it’s the right thing to do. Then they mature enough to know that they want to do the right thing because they enjoy making someone else smile… because it fills them with a sense of satisfaction to help or acknowledge someone else. This is selfless maturity. This is giving. This is God’s way and always has been. He is the consummate Giver! Look around and see what He has given us to enjoy… 24/7! Look to the cross of Jesus Christ and see how much He has given….
Do you find it hard to say “thank-you” to a stranger? Do you find it hard to acknowledge the kindness of a spouse or sibling or parent or friend? If so, ask yourself how much you are giving to others. If the answer is “not much” then ask yourself “why?” Why are you not giving? Is it because of selfishness or self-centeredness? If an honest “yes” is the answer, then ask the great Giver’s forgiveness and start fresh!
As we give, we learn to be thankful when others do. We learn to give thanks for the big and small things. We learn to make “giving” and “thanking” a daily practice… not a seasonal one. Start now…!