Thanks

Thanks

We always thank God for all of you and pray for you constantly.

1 Thessalonians 1:2

Whenever I write, I keep a thesaurus close by. It’s a treasury of words I don’t like to be without. Up until today, the copy I used was a beat-up, old paperback. But now I won’t need to bind that old book together with a rubber band anymore.

A few days ago I mentioned to my son Chad that I was thinking about purchasing a larger thesaurus. You can imagine my surprise, then, when I came home from walking this morning, sat down to write, and spied a new hardcover thesaurus sitting on the coffee table right in front of me. As I leafed through the pages, I felt refreshed to think that Chad would go out and purchase a new copy for me. His act of kindness put a spring in my step.

After writing a note to Chad (below), I offered thanks to God. I thanked him for blessing me with a son who’s so thoughtful. I felt grateful to see the fruit of God’s Spirit in Chad’s life.

Dear Chad,

How do I say “Thanks” for the thesaurus? P. M. Roget suggests expressing it with acknowledgement, a benediction, a blessing, credit, grace, gramercy (that’s a new word to me—it means surprise and gratitude), gratefulness, gratitude, praise, recognition, thankfulness, thanksgiving, or a thank-you note. I think I’ll opt for the thank-you note.

I was surprised (would the word gramercy be appropriate here?) to discover the new hardcover thesaurus you left on the coffee table for me this morning. How thoughtful of you! I’ll never forget your expression of kindness. I’m grateful to see the fruit of God’s Spirit in your life.

Love,

Mom

Father,

I’m grateful for the children you’ve blessed me with. Thank you for the ways you bless me through their kindness. May they always walk close to you. Amen.