Colossians 2:6-7
So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your
lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you
were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.
In the past month, we've received six thank you
notes. Two in our mailbox, three on my desk at work, and one via messenger. We've
been blessed to be included in a wedding, graduations, the birth of a baby and a
housewarming. One was for my years of service where I work. Each time I opened
a card and read the heartfelt words, I felt good. My heart was happy at the
simple, but kind, gesture of someone taking the time to say thank you. Years
ago it was the custom to pen thank you notes and send them often. I'm a little
sad that our society has gotten away from that.
From receiving the notes, I realized how I've
failed to continue the custom of thanks. A custom that predates our society.
The Bible speaks often of giving thanks. Paul told the folks who received his
letters how thankful he was for them. The Old Testament is full of moments when
people gave thank offerings to God. Daniel thanked God for his wisdom.
We hear
a lot lately about being a kinder society. I believe if we give thanks more
often, the kindness will follow. Paul writes in Colossians that we should be "overflowing
with thankfulness." Certainly, that thankfulness should be given to God.
But let's not forget to thank our spouses, friends, children, co-workers, and
family, too. Maybe even write a note of thanks. Try that this week and see what
happens.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his
courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. Psalm 100:4
