by Robert C. Veil, Jr.
Speaking for myself, I think the most neglected phrase in the English language may be the
simple expression, “Thank you.” Whether because of outright ingratitude, or simply not realizing
the way things are, I often fail to express thanks as I should.
Think for a moment about how you feel when someone goes out of their way to say “thank
you.” Doesn’t it make you feel good? It shows that they have noticed something you have said or
done. It lets you know they appreciate you, and they are grateful. What would your life be like if
no one ever returned thanks to you? No one ever said thanks for the meals you prepare, the house
cleaning, the hundreds of repairs or little projects you do around the house, the special gifts or
expressions of appreciation you provide. What if no one noticed? What if no one cared? How long
would you continue doing these things? And what if no one thanked you when you complimented
them, encouraged them, taught them, went out of your way to say something kind or generous?
Would you keep saying it?
Sometimes we forget to say thank you. We get too busy or engrossed in our own affairs, and
we overlook how hard those around us are trying to help us out. They may be doing it out of pure
habit, but usually they are doing it because they love us, because they care about us, and because
they want us to be happy. The least we can do is notice. Sometimes we fail to say thank you
because we are not really thankful. We have come to expect people to treat us a certain way, with
a certain level of generosity, and frankly we are spoiled. We tell ourselves there is no need to say
thank you because you don’t thank the laws of nature! But if those laws stopped operating for a
while, how would we feel? Maybe we would appreciate others a whole lot more. Maybe we would
appreciate God more.
Being thankful is a deliberate choice of mindset, and expressing thanks is a habit we either
cultivate or ignore. We choose to be thankful, and we intentionally work on expressing it to
everyone around us, and to God.
A thankful person is not necessarily blessed above an unthankful person. But the thankful
person notices and deliberately acknowledges blessings. He or she recognizes that these blessings
are not automatic – not guaranteed. Someone is generating these blessings, going out of their way
to make them happen. And that’s a good thing that needs to be acknowledged and cultivated.
Learning to be thankful is a change which you can make in your life. The next time someone
lets you into a stream of traffic, look at them and mouth the words, “thank you.” Maybe wave or
flash your lights, make a big deal out of it. It won’t really be a big deal, but it will seem that way
to you, because you are not accustomed to expressing thanks.
The next time somebody tells you how nice you look, or compliments your clothing or
appearance, go out of your way to look them in the eye and smile, and say “Thank you.” Remember
they didn’t have to say that. They took a chance, they went out of their way, they tried to help you.
How about this: When a teacher shares a Bible lesson with you, express thanks. When an
elder makes a decision which was challenging or difficult, tell them you appreciate them. The next
time somebody preaches you a Bible sermon, be sure to go out of your way to say thank you. Get
the picture? Open your eyes to the world around you, and the many people in that world who love
you. Open your eyes to God.
Saying thank you is an art which will come more and more naturally to the Christian.
Christians are naturally thankful people, and they get very good at expressing it. They remember
what God has done for them, and they have rightfully concluded that the least they can do is give
thanks.
To my Christian brothers and sisters, I want to say a hearty “Thank you!” You are
special, you are chosen, and I am so glad you are in my life. Let’s all resolve to consistently be
God’s special, saved, blessed, thankful people.
