“Thank you.” Just two little words. Hard for some to say, all too easy for others.
For some people, saying “thank you” indicates more need on their part than they’re willing to accept. Some refuse to recognize the wonderful blessings God has showered on their lives because they’d rather remain independent of his demands. Some refuse to accept help from others for the same reason. They don’t want to feel indebted to anyone.
Then there are people who throw the word around casually, with no meaning behind it. They fail to value what God and others have meant to their lives. It’s easy to undervalue the love of those who are always there for you, to take them for granted or even start thinking you deserve a certain treatment just by virtue of being who you are.
It’s easy to feel that way about our parents. Most of us grow up with the sense that giving and sacrifice are just what parents do. When we’re dating or just married, we may feel totally unworthy of the wonderful person who has chosen us. But as the years go by, we can start taking our spouse for granted and expect rather than value their love. Even our children may be made to feel that they owe us something.
It’s important for each of us to recognize how much we owe--to God, to family and friends, to the people around us who enrich our lives. May we feel a deep sense of gratitude. May we remember to thank God and other people for all they’ve done for us. And may we live lives that respond to the gifts of love and assistance we’ve received by giving love and assistance to others. |
