(Colossians 3:17, I Thessalonians 5:18)
Remember the “magic words” we teach our children: please and thank you. Those words remain effective as long as we live, not only in regard to our human relationships, but also and especially in relationships with God. There are three aspects to consider.
Receiving with thanks. “Thanks” is not payment for anything. It is only a statement of appreciation and gratitude for what one has received.
Giving with thanks. A gratuity (a “tip”) is a way of saying thanks. It is not part of the bill and is not required. But when something extra is given with payment of what is owed, the one who receives it understands.
Giving thanks. We should be truly thankful in every situation and circumstance. We can give thanks in everything even if we cannot give thanks for everything. We can give thanks in adversity, and sometimes, since we are strengthened by adversity, we can give thanks for it.
We probably need to redefine our blessings in order to understand them and be grateful for them.
Gerald Cowan
Poplar Bluff, MO