Our big boys have developed a beautiful habit—one for which I may not take credit! They express their gratitude to me by saying thank you for making them dinner. I know, so sweet right? What 11 and 13 year old do that?
Everyone wants to feel valued and appreciated. We like to know that what we do matters. Whether we go out of our way to do something special or perform a routine task, humans thrive on appreciation. We want to be seen. We want to make a difference.
The Lord calls us to live a life abounding in thanksgiving.
Colossians 2:7
Rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.
I think it is easy to say thank you to a customer service representative at the store, or do someone who brings you a dinner when you’re ill. I think it is more difficult to remember to say thank you to those closest to us for things they do that feel ordinary.
Who might you appreciate today simply for performing the mundane? Could you thank your spouse for going to work every day to provide for your family? Could you thank your spouse for staying home to care for your children? What if you modeled thankfulness to your children by thanking them for listening the first time? You might be surprised how displaying simple acts of gratitude can deepen and enhance your relationships.