That’s why, when I heard of the solid trust you have in the Master Jesus and your outpouring of love to all the followers of Jesus, I couldn’t stop thanking God for you—every time I prayed, I’d think of you and give thanks. But I do more than thank. I ask—ask the God of our Master, Jesus Christ, the God of glory—to make you intelligent and discerning in knowing him personally, your eyes focused and clear, so that you can see exactly what it is he is calling you to do, grasp the immensity of this glorious way of life he has for his followers, oh, the utter extravagance of his work in us who trust him—endless energy, boundless strength!
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
In 1998, my cousin Natalie got married. This wedding was a big deal in my family, and we were all excited about the special day. My niece Jasmine was 8 years old at the time, and I bought her a new dress to wear to the ceremony and reception. A few days after I delivered the dress to her, I received a thick, roughly folded and sealed set of papers in the mail that had been addressed to me – and I think there were two postage stamps applied to ensure delivery.
The papers were a thank-you letter to me from Jasmine – along with a self-portrait of her in the new pink dress and a vivid description of how her mother was sick with a stomach bug but would hopefully be well in time for the wedding! I still have that note and drawing! It was more than a “thank-you”…it conveyed my niece’s gratitude, her love for me, AND her desire to share the activities of her life with me – even if it included a stomach virus!
From an early age, my mother taught us to write thank-you notes. She instilled in us the notion that anyone can say “Thank You,” but people truly value the effort one makes to write a note and send it. This conveys that the recipient not only appreciates the gesture/gift…but they also care about the sender. They recognize the energy, effort and care behind the act…enough to stop and put pen to paper and say so!
Sadly, note, card and letter writing are quickly becoming lost arts. With all of our electronic technology, most people are lucky to receive a quickly-fashioned e-mail or text from us…or a quick “thank you” as we pass them on the street or in a hallway, parking lot or store. I can pretty well tell one of two things when I get a hand-written note these days…1) the person was born somewhere before 1970, or 2) this person had a parent, grandparent, relative or teacher who instilled in them the importance of hand-written acknowledgments!
But this scripture passage about a lot more than just cards, letters and thank-you notes. These verses remind us to live intentionally…to be thankful for others and what they mean to us – with more than mere “lip service”. We are to fully appreciate others…to care about their well-being, their hopes, dreams, worries and concerns. We are to pray for them…to thank God for blessing us by allowing their presence in our lives…and to genuinely petition Him to meet their every need.
Our relationship with God – and with others – is a precious, sacred thing. But so often, we take these associations for granted. We treat them far less tenderly than we ought. We fail to do the little things…much less the big ones…that truly nurture our bond. Anyone can say “thank you” – to God or to someone he/she encounters. But to genuinely be thankful…to express this with actions, prayers, and heartfelt interest and concern…shows a depth of gratitude and understanding that is befitting of a true disciple of Christ.
How grateful are you? Have you become lazy and complacent in your acts of gratitude and appreciation? Do you truly demonstrate Christian love and care to others…and are you genuinely and emphatically grateful to God for His blessings over your life and the lives of those He introduces to you? Isn’t this the perfect season to start living more intentionally…to begin to fully note the blessings God is placing in your path each and every day – and to acknowledge them in the proper manner?
When was the last time you really took time to thank God and/or someone else for a blessing or an act of love, grace, mercy, forgiveness and care? Isn’t this a good day to rectify that situation? On a scale of 1-10, where would you rank your level of gratitude? Will this be the day that you begin to revise that number?
©2014 Debbie Robus
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