Celebrate Life with Thankfulness!

You’ll hear Celebrate Life a few more times between now and party time. Don’t forget November 13!

In the meantime, I’ll do some rantin’ or preachin’.

Today’s thought is about – I guess it’s more about practical relationship advice.

I have to say, my kids are the best at writing thank you cards. That’s an easy way to express appreciation. Or is it? It takes time and thoughtfulness, but it is relished by the receiver many times over.

I try to always honor a good worker or service provider with a note to his boss. The internet makes it easy to drop an ‘atta boy’ for courteous assistance. Many times, a note to the boss means a commendation or a monetary bonus for the one who did his job well.

I like to give gifts to say thank you. Whether it’s sharing a favorite figurine or buying a cake for the staff, it’s fun to give. Like I say, God’s got money I haven’t spent yet. Since He is such a liberal giver, shouldn’t I be as well?

So many times, we use services given by a doctor or other professional and grump our way in and out of the office. Yes, they get paid by the insurance, but no, not enough. And Lord knows, any worker hears enough grumping every day to make him want to chuck it all and walk away. I dare you to celebrate his life’s work by saying or giving a special thank you!

Another easy way to Celebrate Life is to express appreciation for a person by simply acknowledging their existence. I know that sounds corny, but haven’t you ever noticed how telling a complete stranger a simple,”Wow, I love that outfit!” brings a smile to her face? Of course as an old lady, I can get away with saying, “Oh honey! Thank you so much for your help!”

I love living down here where many people end a conversation or transaction with the simple words, “Have a blessed day!” To me, that Celebrates God and Celebrates the Lives of us all. A true Win-Win!

Perhaps the best way to say thank you is our follow up prayers for those we have encountered through our day.

I used to love this passage when I was a kid. Our assistant pastor would close the service with this blessing.

The Lord bless you and keep you: The Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you;  The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace.       Numbers 6:24-26

And of course, the best thank you of the day belongs to the One who has given us life and breath.

Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless His holy name.     Psalm 103:1

Celebrating Life with its many Blessings

KB