Kissing Your Sister
Last week, we had a momentous day at our house filled with colorful paper, bows, and lots of sugar. Birthdays are best when enjoyed with a 5 year old, I’ve discovered. Sprinkles on cupcakes and princess rings cause “oohs” and “aaahs” and pizza or hot dogs for dinner create great excitement. Though little children are easy to please, they often forget to be thankful. After each present is opened, we usually have to remind them to thank so-and-so for the Barbie or bubbles.
When you’re reminded to be thankful and you say it out of duty, it’s just like kissing your sister. There’s no feeling behind it. But, I had a wonderful surprise during this birthday celebration. With no prompting, my five year old told me with sincerity how thankful she was for her trip to Chuck E. Cheese and then she told her seven year old sister “thank you” for the little pony she received. It was the best thank you I’ve ever recieved because it was heartfelt.
When was the last time I said thanks to my kids for being so sweet? When was the last time I said thank you to my husband for all his helpfulness around the house? When did I thank my neighbor for keeping an eye on my house while I’m gone? When have I thanked my pastor for all his hard work in feeding our souls?
Why wait to be prompted? The apostle Paul told us to make gratitude a way of life, to be continually, always, often, regularly reminded to thank God and others.
Colossians 3:15 And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. (New Living)
A truly thankful heart is also a truly happy heart. When you keep your eyes open for opportunities to be thankful, you will notice all that God is doing around you more readily. Today, I’m going to follow my daughter’s example by writing some thank you notes to a few people who have blessed me recently. How about you? Is there someone you need to thank today?
Father, thank you for the gifts you give us each day, for the sunshine and the moon, the green grass and breeze through the leaves, for crickets and sunsets, for rain and chirping birds. Thank you Lord for all You’ve given us! Fill us today with a heart of thankfulness, for we know without Your power, we can do nothing. Amen.
Thank you for this dear post my friend, love you.
Great post. Giving thanks lifts the spirit. When my young one starts whining about not getting his way, I’ve started having him list things he’s thankful for. Great reminder.
Engrafted by His Grace–
What a beautiful devotional and truthful words about thanksgiving. A few years ago I was convicted that I wasn’t very thoughtful toward others and asked God to begin to show me how to be more thoughtful of people and express my love and thankfulness toward them. Well, now I have to write out an “intentional living” list just to make sure I don’t forget who he has prompted me to express thankfulness too, but I am the one who receives the blessing in my heart and the swelling up of love when I share my thankfulness.
So thank you for these beautiful and trughful words.
And a little child shall lead them…
Great post Heather. Thanks for sharing.
Great post, Heather. I love being reminded to be thankful for people around me.
Heather…
A truly thankful heart is also a truly happy heart. When you keep your eyes open for opportunities to be thankful, you will notice all that God is doing around you more readily. …
This is absolutely true. I thrill to participate in Thankful Thursday to purposely call out and read about others thankful hearts. A way of life…. Oh that it is my way of living.
Awesome post.