Thank You

Two simple, one-syllable words; what power, joy, comfort, and assurance they convey; and what pride, ingratitude, and selfishness their absence reveals.

Our "thank you" primarily is to the Lord for all things. Paul uses some form of the word thirty-seven times in his epistles, Our Lord is the first cause of every blessing He is the source of all grace and mercy. "In everything we give thanks."

However, I am troubled that the words are so seldom used among men in the home, in the church, and on the street, through the mail, over the phone, and to one another in general. Not that any believer's labor of love or work of faith is done for either praise or reward, but what a disappointment to give, serve, and labor for the comfort and well-being of others only to have that effort ignored or unappreciated to the extent that it is never mentioned. And what a loss of confidence and admiration to be ignored and taken for granted by those whom we have held in such high esteem that we have shared our homes, our possessions, our food, and our time with them.

"Thank you" may seem a simple phrase, time-worn, and common, but when it is not present it reveals a weakness of character, pride of heart, and an absence of the grace of God in the heart.

Thank you for thinking of me, praying for me, and letting me be your friend - I need friends! Thank you for your care, your consideration, and your kind words - I need encouragement! Thank you for your smile, your warm greeting, and your welcome ear - I need someone to talk to! I just want you to know that you are appreciated, and I thank you! Henry Mahan

Don Fortner