Thank You

"No, ma'am."
"Yes, sir."
"I'm sorry."
"Please."
"Thank you."

These are some of the first words we learn from our parents. These are the phrases of common courtesy.

We are told that the special word is "please." We are asked to say we're "sorry" when we have hurt someone. We are instructed to treat others with respect and kindness. We are taught to say "thank you" when someone has done something nice for us.

It is interesting to me that we start our holiday season each year with a day of thankfulness at least a month before the day when we are all showered with gifts.

And, we'd better find something to be thankful for or we'll have all the holiday spirit snatched from us before December 5th. The rushing, the pressure, the food, the expense. There is no way to do it all and make everyone happy.

Maybe that's what makes Thanksgiving the true holiday gift. A day to enjoy friends and family and good food. A day that begins a season of glorious music, beautiful lights and special moments. Thanksgiving doesn't require weeks of shopping and gift wrapping. It doesn't demand that we spend hours decorating. And it doesn't usually break the budget.

Thanksgiving was set aside as a day to be thankful for what we've received. Let's make the time to sit and think or even write out how God has been good to us. Let us move into the season of celebrating Christ's birth with the peace we find in the presence of the One who gives us so much for which to be thankful.

And, let me start by saying to you, my fellow Gathered Chick, that I am thankful for you. Thank you for allowing me to encourage you even a little bit by reading this blog. I am praying that this Thanksgiving will be the most special one for you yet, not because of the menu or the company, but because you and I will truly be grateful to our Lord for all He has done for us.

Heavenly Father,
Thank You for Your goodness to us. Even if this has been a year filled with loss or disappointment, we know that Your compassion for us will never fail (Lamentations 3:22). Thank You for Your Word. Thank You that we can come to You at any time in prayer and You hear us (1 John 5:14). Please remind us of ways You've blessed us that we may have even forgotten. And encourage us to write down Your goodness to us so we'll never forget.
In Jesus' Name,
Amen