Polite Acknowledgment!

It is far too easy to know others for so long that we begin to take them for granted. Simple politeness begins to fade away and the silence of verbal appreciation becomes deafening. The words “please” and “THANK YOU” begin to disappear from the daily vocabulary only to be replaced by grumbling when others don’t do what has now become to be the expected.

Let me suggest a little experiment for you in your home to see where you are personally in this regard. How often do you say “THANK YOU” when another member of your family does something as simple as opening a door, handing you some silverware, taking out the trash, etc.? Does it hurt to say “THANK YOU” for even the simple deed others perform? Doesn’t the verbalized “THANK YOU” tend to encourage its continuance by acknowledging it is noticed and appreciated?

My wife does the majority of the cooking and has for years. She still appreciates hearing me say “THANK YOU.” I generally take out the garbage and my wife frequently says, “THANK YOU.” Sometimes when I return to the kitchen to place a new bag in the bucket under the kitchen sink I find her already replacing it and I say “THANK YOU.” Though we have been married for many years we each know even the fulfillment of little tasks are appreciated.

Now consider your prayers as well. Have you taken God’s awareness of your life and His blessings for granted? Do you pray for guidance and then not THANK HIM for it? How much of your prayer time is filled with petitions (requests) compared to THANKS?

In Paul’s letter to the church at Colossae he exhorted…
“And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, GIVING THANKS TO GOD THE FATHER THROUGH HIM.” ( Colossians 3:17 ESV)

And to the church at Thessalonica He urged…
“(16) Rejoice always, (17) pray without ceasing, (18) GIVE THANKS IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” ( 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 ESV)

Both the manner in which we live and the verbalized “THANK YOU” reveal our continual awareness of God and our appreciation for all the ways in which He has and will bless our life. May we take none of His blessings for granted. It is the THANKFUL heart that aids in keeping the relationship close.

Have a great day LIVING WITH A GRATITUDE ATTITUDE!
Carl

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