This is the season of thanks - a wonderful time of the year when our minds are more intentional toward gratitude. There are many great tools and exercises for recounting those things for which we are grateful, but I am reminded again that it is just as important that we are intentional about WHO we are grateful to. Otherwise, we can be in danger of descending into some mere warm fuzzies about having a good attitude. God is good – and He is the giver of all good things (James 1:17). It is right and appropriate to thank one another, but how much more meaningful when we thank God for each other.
It’s like being asked by a generous friend to his mansion and having the staff at your beck and call. They bring you dinner and you rightly thank the server. They serve you a drink and you politely say thank you. Same for the cleaning staff, or valet. Acknowledging someone’s faithfulness encourages them. But what if you never actually thanked the host from whom all those things originated and who covered the cost? We are staff with each other, just doing what we’ve been called to do – serving our masters goodness. But we need to remember the host who generously supplied it all and makes it possible.
We usually understand when we say “I’m grateful for…“ that we are grateful to God. But words matter. I want to be intentional because it reminds me, as well as others who may hear, when I’m specific. I want my words to reflect my heart.
“I’m grateful to God for…”
So you also, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.’ ” Luke 17:10
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