Thank you. Two powerful little words that mean so much to the hearer. Recently on Instagram, a gentleman posted this:
I’ve been living with Gen Z-er’s the last couple of years and I love these guys, they’re super guys, but there’s a generational weakness – and one of those is the expression of gratitude – saying thank you and writing thank you notes when people do you good.
His comments created a bit of a discussion with people my age agreeing, and Gen Z-er’s defending their lack of expressing thanks. One said they had never learned this from their peers. Guess what? Young people don’t learn good manners from their peers. They are often taught these things by their parents, or other adults, like this man.
If you have children or young people in your home, it is your responsibility to teach them gratitude when others are kind to them. It goes beyond just saying, “Thanks.” A grateful heart takes the next step and makes those words sincere and memorable by writing a brief note. Friends, this takes five minutes or less. If you don’t know what to say, follow this formula that I’ve shared before:
- Say thank you for the gift or gesture. That would include gratitude for remembering the occasion for which it was given. “It was so sweet of you to send the bouquet of flowers. That made my birthday so special!”
- Say what you will do with the gift or why you appreciated it. “The slippers will be so cozy in the upcoming cold temperatures!”
- Say something about the person who sent the gift. “I’m so glad the Lord gave me such a dear friend in my sister!”
We don’t show kindness so we will receive a card, but a simple thank you expresses your gratitude. A warm, in person, spoken thank you is a great starting point. A note in the mail would be a gracious gesture, taking it to the next level.
Sometimes a gift is sent in the mail and the sender never even knows if it’s been received. A written card is at the very heart of your gratitude and is a simple and effective way to let the sender know that you received it and you were grateful!
If someone has done a kind gesture for you, served you, cared for your needs, or helped you, writing a card is the very base of being gracious.
The Word of God is full of people who wrote their gratitude to others. Paul mentioned his thankfulness many times. Consider…
- I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, Eph. 1:16
- The Lord repay you for what you have done, and a full reward be given you by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge!” Ruth 2:12 Boaz acknowledges Ruth’s kindness.
- I thank my God in all my remembrance of you. Phil. 1:3
I stock up on cards when I find them on sale. Dollar Tree also has packages of Hallmark cards six or eight in a package for $1.25. It’s not expensive. All it takes is a little of your time. Let’s be grateful enough to write our thanks to those who have blessed us!
Agree? Or Gen Z?
RefreshHer 