LET ME THANK YOU
We are remarkably blessed by our Eternal Father. He gives us our everyday needs, whether through gifts or through the capacity to work for them. He also gives us uncountable things we do not need, but things that give us joy, comfort, and knowledge. As David sang: “Let the LORD be magnified Who has pleasure in the prosperity of His servants” (Psalm 35:27). He gives us the strength and capacity to learn and grow from the hardships we endure in this life. He gives us the blessings of love from friends and family and the memories to hold on to when we have lost someone. He gives so much there is no way one could list them all. “The blessing of the LORD makes one rich, and He adds no sorrow with it” (Prov. 10:22).
He also allows us to thank Him. He asks us to give back monetarily, to give to others in need, and to love as He has loved us. (2Cor. 8:3-5)
Jesus is our example, and we are to emulate Him. This is easier when we are doing the giving, when we are able to do for ourselves and others, when we are busy at His work.
But half of the equation of helping, giving, loving is receiving. Someone has to receive it. And that goes for thankfulness, too. If I am the recipient of God’s gifts and am to do as He asks, then He is to be the recipient of my gifts and thankfulness. “The reward for humility and fear of the Lord is riches and honor and life” (Prov. 22:4).
Are we any better than our Father? No! Of course not! So why do we hesitate to accept these gifts and thankfulness?
Humility is the point of the lesson Jesus taught when He washed His disciple’s feet, He taught us that He is humble in the washing but also we are to be humble in the receiving of the washing of our feet. (John 13:3-17) We need to take a humble stance in both the giving and receiving of these things. Peter had difficulty with this principle: “Peter said to Him, ‘You shall never wash my feet!’ Jesus answered him, ‘If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me’” (John 13:8). This is what makes us family and is how we fulfill the roles He has given to us in this life; to be fathers, mothers, sisters, and brothers. (Mark 10:29-30) Let me thank you, for being there for me, for prayers, and time, and gifts. Let me do as God has asked of me. And in turn, let me help you when you have need, too. Let’s be kin.