A Lost Art

Written by Donna Butler

​The art of giving thanks has been lost at times. We forget to appreciate the little things and complain when it doesn’t fit what or how we think it should be. We say thank you sometimes just out of obligation without genuinely appreciating the time someone took to do a kind deed for us. We also take grace, be it from God or people, for granted and feel like we don’t have to say thank you because it is “owed” to us. If we actually got what we “deserved”, would we be thankful then? Gratitude just takes thinking outside of yourself. Remember…THANKS!

Think  Humility  Appreciate  Name  Kindness  Savor

Think about the time, expense, thought, and cost/sacrifice of the gift or action done specifically for you. Remember, the person did not have to, they chose to.
Philippians 4:8 NET “…whatever is true, whatever is worthy of respect, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if something is excellent or praiseworthy, think about these things.”

Humility is a modest or low view of one's own importance. You are not God. We don’t deserve all the praise and glory. We need to remember that and be humble. 
Proverbs 11:2 “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.”

Appreciate means to recognize the full worth of… It is a verb which means there needs to be an action behind it. 
1 Thessalonians 5:18 “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

Name, say the person’s name and the item or deed that was done in your thank you. Make it specific and meaningful.
Luke 6:31 “And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.

Kindness is a character trait. Enough said.
Colossians 3:12 “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.”

Savor is a characteristic of taste, flavor, or smell, especially a pleasant one. Whatever we get is a blessing. So take time to savor the little things.
Colossians 3:17 “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

Whatever the case, being thankful has to be intentional…Just take time to give thanks.

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