Saying thank you

An expression of gratitude as in “thank you” notes is evidently a lost art. This is unfortunate because there is something lost within the spirit of an individual when they haven’t learned to embrace genuine gratitude. Either the parents haven’t done a very good job in raising up their offspring or the lessons have gone unlearned. A couple of recent examples will illustrate what I am addressing.

We contributed some support for a mother and son to participate in their churches mission trip to South America. Their thank you note was a mass-produced, generic photo copied note with typed signatures. The following year the same request was made and our support was reduced sizably.

Then there was the blanket e-mail note that simply said, “Thanks” with no direct reference to the gift … and this was for a wedding gift. Or, there was the graduation gift to a set of twins; both checks were cashed, but no note of thanks. Or, even worse, I heard of an employee that had given his company faithful service for over 30 years that was simply fired and escorted out of the building. No word of gratitude for his long faithful service and no opportunity for him to tell the people in his department good-by.

The world has become a strange place in which to live!

I am aware that if you do a deed in anticipation of being thanked then somehow the act of giving has been queered a little bit, but common courtesy is still common courtesy. My fear is that either our lives have simply gotten too busy for simple expressions of gratitude or we have truly entered into the era of entitlement or even worse, where people really do not matter … I’m not really sure why this has become an acceptable practice because I’m hearing about it more and more from individuals of all ages.

Having said all of that leads me to express gratitude for all the individuals who bother to read my daily blog. This weekend I went over the 200 milestone of blogs. Last week I had a neat experience when I wrote about one of my new heroes, after reading about him in TIME magazine, only to have him make comment concerning the blog. I never really know who is reading what I’ve written, but that one kind of blew me away.

I’ve had as few as 2 people in a day (usually on the weekend) and as many as 89 with an average of around 12 to 15. I am thankful that everyone and pray that something that has touched my soul and prodded my spirit has been helpful for your journey. If something has touched your spirit and you passed on the link to others I am thankful for your consideration.

When I was preaching every week I got into the habit of preaching sermon series. A member of the congregation came by and requested that I preach a series on people’s favorite Psalms. It was truly a rich experience. Therefore, this request: If there is a subject matter that you would like for me to address please feel free to let me know. I like the challenges that others place before me.

Again, thank you for taking the time to check in and read the muses of this old preacher!

Quote for today: Boss to retiring employee: "This company can't afford a gold watch, Homer. But here's a phone number that gives the correct time." Lichty