There is nothing like receiving a handwritten thank you note in the mail for a kind deed. Over the years, I have attended my share of birthday parties, Christmas gift exchanges, graduation open houses and weddings. Though there is unselfish joy in giving gifts at all of these gatherings, there is added joy in knowing those gifts make a positive difference in their lives.
A true giver gives without thought or want of reciprocation, but it is human nature, and frankly, an act of politeness to acknowledge gifts with a written expression or gratitude.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 tells us to "Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." (ESV).
Traditionally, thank you notes are one of the things that light up a soul and perhaps the front of a refrigerator for days or weeks after it is received. And in my experiences in life, it is something that is becoming more and more rare.
I am reminded of Luke 17:11-19 where Jesus healed 10 men afflicted with Leprosy, but only one thanked Him.
11 Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee.
12 As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance
13 and called out in a loud voice, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!”
14 When he saw them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed.
15 One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice.
16 He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan.
17Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine?
18 Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?”
19 Then he said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.”
(copyright New International Version)
I urge everyone today - be thankful always and show it, tell it, each and every time, and you will be blessed beyond measure.
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