Thank You

 

Growing up, my parents insisted we use the two magic words, please and thank you.  Children are pretty quick to utter please because it gets you something.  Thank you on the other hand has to be cajoled out of a toddler who willfully struggles to force a thank you pass their lips.  Thank you requires an humble spirit as we acknowledge our  gratefulness for the gift we have been given.  I have seen it time and time again in my office, two and three year olds prepared to miss out on a lollipop because they defiantly refuse to say thank you to the dismay of their red faced parent.

Thessalonians 5:17-18

¹⁷ pray without ceasing, ¹⁸ in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

As children of God, we have been commanded to use the same two words.  Our “please” is to pray without ceasing.  We are to say thank you not for just our perceived “good things” but in everything give thanks.  I learned that this week.  Acknowledge what God has already graced me with and give thanks.  Unlike a toddler, He should not have to drag a thank you out of me. We all might do well with a little less please and a lot more thank you(s).