Thankfulness

Life becomes much more meaningful and attractive when adorned by the beautiful garment of thankfulness. As stated by William Arthur Ward, “Gratitude can transform common days into Thanksgiving, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.”21 The winds of competition, demand, and criticism have made our world a cold place to live. However, we can warm up the environment with kind words of appreciation and gratitude—words that can make a huge difference in the lives of those around us. But keep in mind that thankfulness is like a flower that blooms only when we expect nothing and appreciate everything. Today, January 11, is International Thank-You Day, not to be confused with the Thanksgiving holidays in the United States, Canada, and a few other countries. The origin of Thank-You Day is unclear.

Some suggest that greeting card companies promoted it as a holiday to increase their sales. Regardless of its origin, today is a good opportunity for us to reflect on the important subject of thankfulness. There are at least three levels of thankfulness. The first and most superficial is the rhetorical level, in which one formally says “Thank you” without necessarily meaning it. The second is the sincere level, in which one feels and demonstrates gratitude for specific gifts and acts. The third and most substantial is the lifestyle level, in which a person is continuously thankful even for the most insignificant details in life. The Bible says, “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Too often, we hold back words of appreciation until those who are worthy of them are no longer with us. Since today is Thank-You Day, I would like to express my own appreciation to you for encouraging me by reading these devotionals. But I would also like to encourage you to send a thank-you note to someone who has made a difference in your life and perhaps still is making a difference.

Your words of appreciation could brighten the path of those who love you and care about you. Be thankful today and every day.