Ahem

When my children were young, it was important to me that they learn manners.   High on my list of priorities was teaching them the importance of saying, “Thank you.”  As soon as they began forming words, I would say, “Thank you,” to them each time I handed them something.  Because they parroted everything they heard, they would say, “Thank you,” in response, learning to pair these words with the receiving of a gift.

                                                                                

Each year at Christmas, thank you cards and stamps became standard gifts tucked into my children’s stockings.  It wasn’t always easy getting my kids to write their after-Christmas thank you notes, but having the tools on hand made the task one step easier.

Another means I used to encourage thanks-giving was what I call my clearing-of-the-throat technique.  Whenever I thought my children needed to be prompted to say, “Thank you,” I would clear my throat.  Often, if I had taken them some place special or even driven through a fast food pickup window, I would simply stop the car, clear my throat, and wait.  Soon, they learned to say, “Thank you, Mommy,” merely at the sound.

Sometimes, I would hear my children say, “Thank you, Mommy,” for no apparent reason, and then I would realize I had cleared my throat just because I needed to clear my throat.

Pavlov would have been truly impressed.

It seems, sometimes, that I need similar tools, similar promptings to encourage me to express my gratitude.  It has been a profound help during this past year having a weekly deadline to link with Ann and others at the Gratitude Community.  When I am tempted to fear the brokenness of this world or doubt God’s goodness to me, it is helpful to have an appointment that calls me to stop and consider the multitude of ways in which He has protected and blessed me.

At other times, I think it would be helpful to have my heavenly Father clear His throat and prompt me to stop and give thanks to Him.  And, because my Father is so good and knows what I need before I ask, He does this for me.  In the pages of His word, I hear the mighty voice that called all of creation into being clear it’s throat and say,

Let them thank the LORD for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of men!  For he satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul he fills with good things.  Psalm 107:8, 9

Ahem.

There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.  He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for all us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?  Romans 8:1, 32

Ahem, again.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places,…in him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us….For by grace you have been saved through faith.  And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.  Ephesians 1:3, 7, 8; 2:8

And again.

His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises…2 Peter 1: 3,4

Ahem.  Ahem.

Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!  2 Corinthians 9:15

Ahem.  Amen and Amen.

Linking with Ann who has graciously invited us to discuss the spiritual practice of giving thanks.

Update:  Also joining Faith Barista and her conversation about thankfulness: