“Thank you”. A two word phrase. Pretty simple to say. It can even be shortened to “Thanks”, for those times when saying two words is just too difficult. It’s one of the first phrases parents teach their children. Most of us can even say it in different languages- Merci, Gracias, Danke, Grazie, I could go on…but I won’t. Most of us say it out of habit, a reflexive response to something.
That being said, I have a few observations I’d like to share. I work with a lot of young people in various stages of life and sometime ago I observed that as the kids get older, the less often I hear the words “Thank you” coming from their mouths. Upon further observation, I noticed that even less often were those words actually meant. So I began watching family interactions and saw that this behavior is reflected within the family too. The older the kids get, the less often the words “thank you” are used by their parents and the less meaningful those “thank you”s are. I need to tell you parents out there, kids recognize when you are being false with them. They can tell that that “Thank you” wasn’t genuine. They can tell that you weren’t really engaged with them when you said it. They can tell when it’s an automatic response with no meaning behind it. They can tell.
And kids (especially teens!), parents can tell when you’re being false with them too (gasp!). They can tell when that “thanks” was just an automatic response. They can tell when you’re not really engaged with them and you’re just going through the motions. They can tell.
Likewise, God can tell when we’re being false with Him. He can tell when we’re really thankful, and when we’re just going through the motions because it’s what we’re “supposed to do”. He can tell!
I’m not saying that we’re never genuine in our thanks, but maybe we’re not genuine enough in our thanks often enough. It’s difficult to be thankful in the little things when they are often overshadowed by such big, bad, scary, and sad things. It’s a challenge, however, that we as Christians are called to accept! 1 Thessalonians 5:15 tells us Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
So, as we go through this holiday season, here’s my challenge to you: SAY THANK YOU AND MEAN IT! A habit is developed by repeating the desired behavior for at least a consecutive 28 days. So let’s make it a habit to say a meaningful “Thank you” even in the smallest things. Let’s start first and foremost by developing that habit with God. Doesn’t He deserve our utmost and heartfelt “Thank you” every minute of every day? So let’s make sure that we’re working on developing a thankful heart and expressing it to Him daily. Parents, remember that you’re children (no matter how old they are) are watching you and learning from you. The example you set in having a truly thankful heart is the example your children will follow. Young people, developing and maintaining a thankful heart is a lifelong journey. Start cultivating that heart now and it will follow you through life.
Relationships are improved when genuine gratitude is expressed. You are never too young or too old to show Christ to our world. And it all starts with being thankful for Him and the blessings He’s given you. Even in the midst of the storm, there are reasons to be thankful!
Thank you all!