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Saying thank you should be one of the easiest things we say...
..But it's NOT!
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Since my children could first talk, I have encouraged them to always say thank you when given something or when others do a kind favor for them. However, I can't stand it when others try to "make" my children say thank you, especially when they are just understanding why we have them say it and because I knew that through mine and my husband's example, they would eventually say these words.
My daughter was the first to say thank you and my "competitive" son couldn't stand it any longer and now says thank you...and your welcome! It just melts my heart to hear those words spoken from the two of them.
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It has always been important, to me, that I express my gratitude whenever I am given something or someone does a kind favor for me.
Lately, God has been speaking to me on how I don't always tell people how much I appreciate them or for their help or gifts or encouragement. Also, that I don't ALWAYS give Him thanks.
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...Let's go back a few years and see why God has been tugging on my heart about being GRATEFUL...
When I got married, it took me a full year to FINALLY get all my thank you cards out. I wanted each one of the cards to be sincere and show my guests how grateful I was for not only their gifts, but for being a part of my life and joining me on that "special" day. However, more people were upset than happy because it took a long time to receive them, but I was just happy that I FINALLY got all 250+ thank you cards out.
Well, I did the same thing with my son's baby shower and first birthday. However, with my both my son's second birthday and daughter's first birthday I've written all the thank you cards, but haven't "physically" sent them out. Also, I NEVER even wrote nor sent them out for my daughter's baby shower and we are now approaching 1 1/2 years. To this day, I feel really bad for not even taking the time acknowledge so many who came and gave. Each one of those people are so dear to me and I am TRULY GRATEFUL for all I received.
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I keep asking myself...
...Why is it so hard for me to do this "simple" task?
...Why can't I ALWAYS be grateful for the things that God has given me?
Shouldn't this be a lot easier to do, since we learn this "manner" at such a young age? Doesn't it make us happy when others say it to us? Then why, is it often times hard to do? Why can't I just sit down write thank you cards or express to others my gratitude towards them?
These are a few questions that God has been asking me and encouraging me to ask myself.
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I encourage each one of you to take time and tell others how grateful you are for the things they have done for you... FIRST, starting with GOD.
"Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
5 comments:
they are tedious task to do. i always try to send out TY's but as Chloe is getting older, I found out that it's easier to not have big parties so that i don't have to do the TY's! :) For Callie's 1st birthday, we collaberated it with the 4th of July BBQ...we never said that it was Callie's birthday. We acknowledge it by having cake...I just wanted to make it a a family get together w/o all the hassle & headache that comes w/ planning & the after affect (like doing the TY's). She did get a few presents from our closest friends but they know to not expect a TY card from me since that's kind of friendship we have...we say Thank You already, no need to waste paper to write it down & waste stamp to mail it! :) But for any away family & friends, I do make every effort to send out the TY's.
Saying thank you is not a simple task when it involves writing long TY's and sending them off in the mail.
Try to find a simplier way to tackle this problem so that you don't feel bad by leaving people waiting for a year or more for the thank you.
At each party have your guests write their address on an envelope and then stamp them immediately after the party is over. A simple verse like the one above (I Thes. 5:18) is sweet and sincere and then write a quick note of thanks...nothing elaborate just simple. Or even sending a picture of your child is thank you enough :). You can even send them an email or something like that.
*It's such a hassle to do any of it but you will feel better once it's done!*
WONDERFUL post Anna! I love it!
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