Feeling and expressing sincere gratitude is necessary if we’re to reach
our true potential. No one makes it on his own in this world. All of us have
many people, situations, and other blessings in our lives for which our genuine
expression of gratitude is appropriate.
Isn’t It Enough to Just Say, “Thank
you”?
Sometimes, yes. Most of the time, no. If our verbal expressions of
gratitude are not accompanied by heartfelt actions that demonstrate our true
feelings of appreciation, those empty words will quickly lose their meaning.
Consider the child who, upon receiving a car from Dad and Mom, exclaims,
“Thank you! I love you! You’re the best!” But immediately she begins breaking
house rules. She doesn’t let her parents know where she is, and coming home
late becomes the norm. After a few weeks, the newness of the car wears off and
she quits washing it. It gets dents in it as she carelessly bumps into
obstacles. Slowly, it turns into a neglected heap. Is this genuine appreciation?
I think you get my point.
Are We Guilty?
So, where are we each guilty of being the equivalent of this negligent
teenager in our lives and relationships? I
invite each of us to take time this Thanksgiving to not only consider that
for which we are grateful, but to make and implement a plan to more fully express gratitude in the
coming days and years.
Thank you for taking the time to read and share this brief message. I
hope you, and those to whom you express sincere gratitude, find it beneficial. Happy Thanksgiving!
