Tuesday, November 23, 2010

How Often Do You Say, "Thanks"?

I was thinking today about that particular word...thanks or thank you. When I was little, one of the first thing my parents instilled in me was to be say thank you. If it was for a stick of gum, a compliment or a good meal, we were taught to say, "thank you".

Before we dug into our food, no matter if it was nasty liver and onions, we still gave thanks to God for blessing us with food on the table, no matter how gross it was going to be. On a side note, I literally thanked God for mustard to smother the liver and onions so that it wouldn't taste quite as gross.

As unbelievable as it sounds, I try so very hard to make my "thank you's" count. I want people to know that I appreciate them. If I need to change lanes and someone allows me the spot in front of them, I wave my hand and say, "thank you". If I sneeze and someone says, "Bless you", I say, "thank you". When I'm handed my receipt at the store, I say, "thank you". Not only do I say it but I mean it.

But, saying thank you for trials and tribulations, I have yet to master. How can I have a thankful heart when it seems like life has been turned upside down? Yet, I know that God is working it out and for that, I should be so very thankful.

This year, my heart is full with thankfulness. Not only have I been blessed with a job that I will be starting next week but a chance to spend time with my daughters, laughing, sharing and just enjoying the time together. For that, I'm so very thankful!

I'm thankful that I've got family near and far and friends who care so much about what goes on in my life...that includes you all as well because you're not JUST blog pals but you're my friends.

So today and every day, my heart says, "thank you".

What are you thankful for?

19 comments:

Mari said...

This is a great post on being thankful! I'm thankful for the job I have and the elderly people I get to care for. I'm thankful for my family and my church. I'm thankful that God has cared for us for another year. I'm thankful for you too - I've truly enjoyed getting to know you!

Brian Miller said...

so much to be thankful for...health...provision...and right now strong coffee...smiles.

Alexandra Elizabeth said...

Hi, I'm a new visitor to your blog.

This is a very fitting post considering that Thanksgiving in just a couple days away. Though, I wonder if all those that celebrate the Holiday really appreciate what being Thankful means.

I like you find it hard to remain thankful when the world seems to be in a constant state of distress. But we have to remain thankful that all will end well and be well.

I'm thankful for my daughter, our health, my job, my daughters kindness, and my desire to help others.

Kirby said...

I think its great that you are so thoughtful to thank you for everything. I was taught to do the same thing and I notice alot of peole dont say thank you a whole lot anymore. I work retail and some people are just plain rude! Even my 16 mth old tells me thank you for everything!

I'm thankful for my family and for all of our good health, the fact we both have jobs in this economy and a cozy home to come home to!

But not thankful for this stinky diaper I'm about to have to go change! Haha(too much info, huh?)

Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Unknown said...

What a great post. Happy Thanksgiving!

Anonymous said...

I'm thankful for my husband, son and family. Blessed to be adequately employed and healthy. Thankful for all that I've discovered through blogging and the relationships I've built. I also have a hard time being thankful in the midst of the storm. I'm working on it. Great post!

Jill said...

I was raised the same way and I instill this in my daughter's as well. Manners are important, yet it seems less children are being raised with them, how sad.
Great post! Have a great evening and a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Blessings,
Jill

Veronica Lee said...

That was a lovely post, Simone! There is so much to be thankful for - my family, friends (including online pallies), good health etc.

Happy TG!

Relyn Lawson said...

Yes, yes exactly. As for me today, I am thankful for

my in-laws arrived safely * day off today and Friday * Thanksgiving * funds to pay for a huge meal * friends to share it with * you

Anonymous said...

You're welcome!

There's a lot of blessings in being a friend of yours.

Nezzy (Cow Patty Surprise) said...

What a wonderful tribute to Thanksgiving sweetie. I am thankful for a close family and loads of grandchildren. I'm always thankful for great bloggin' buddies like you.

Ya'll have a wonderful Thanksgiving filled with fun, family and pie baby...loads of pie!!! :o)

Lin said...

I'm really thankful for LOTS of things--the typical--my job, family, friends, a nice house, etc. But I am also thankful for the good people I have met through blogging. :) I'm grateful for you, Simone! Glad you are my pally.

Joanna Jenkins said...

I'm a big "thank you" person-- It feels good saying it and I know folks hear it and (I think) appreciate it.

I'll be thinking about you on Thanksgiving and the wonderful time you're having with your family. I'm so glad the girls are with you and your new job is just around the corner!

xoxox jj

Mandy said...

I'm so glad to hear about your blessings and your thankfulness! You always amaze me. I'm thankful for your blog and your friendship. I'm thankful for my wonderful family and friends. I'm thankful to have pushed myself to write a book and self publish it. I'm thankful that I'm healthy and happy these days.

Buckeroomama said...

Hope you had a great Thanksgiving.

"Thank you" are just two very simple words and it's a wonder why sometimes it's so difficult for people to say. :)

Andrea said...

I am thankful for many things, but among them are all the wonderful bloggers I have met over the last few years.
Blessings,
andrea

Yolanda said...

Loved finding your blog. I am a fellow oregonian and I hope you have a wonderful holiday season.

Kitty said...

Very lovely! Hope you had a great Thanksgiving! :D

Unknown said...

I think saying Thank you is one of the absolute best ways to live. I mean, for goodness sakes, how easy is it to go through life without being thankful. It is WAY easier to complain and be grumpy : ) but taking a moment to thank and appreciate each other as we travel on this journey...that is the best!

 

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