This is a super quick read because you’re probably super busy today.  Did you know that giving thanks isn’t always just between you and God? Giving thanks also involves others. 

Not long ago a sweet friend shared how God had intervened when they were house hunting.  They had decided to move closer to her daughter so they could be involved in their grandchildren’s lives.  But finding a house proved to be difficult. Her daughter was convinced that a certain house on her street was the right one for them, but it had sold shortly before my friend started looking. Finally, they made an offer on a house across town.  However, two months after they placed the offer, it fell through.  They were disappointed and discouraged.  But to everyone’s surprise, at that very time, the house on her daughter’s street went back on the market and my friend and her husband were able to buy it.  Now her grandchildren walk to Grandma’s house! They give God the credit for providing a house that meets their needs beautifully.  She remarked, “What seemed discouraging and heartbreaking was all God’s timing.”  It thrills my heart when others share their God stories with me.  When we have opportunity, we should tell each other what God has done for us.  These God stories are uplifting and may be just the thing someone needs to encourage them on their journey.  Maybe they need to hear that God stoops down to listen and help mere mortals.  

“I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.”  Psalm 9:1

“Then those who feared the Lord spoke with each other, and the Lord listened to what they said. In his presence, a scroll of remembrance was written to record the names of those who feared him and always thought about the honor of his name.”  Malachi 3:16

“I have talked about your faithfulness and saving power. I have told everyone in the great assembly of your unfailing love and faithfulness.”  King David is our example in  Psalm 40:10

 This humble blog is one way I can ‘speak’ about what God has done for me.  I want to honor his name and give him thanks publicly knowing it will encourage others in their journey. 

I also want to be quick to thank others for what they do for me.  I know I like to be thanked.  Lucky for me, I have a husband who thanks me on a daily basis for taking care of him.  Our adult children always thank us for anything we do for them.  Our grandchildren thank us for little gifts.  My business clients thank me for their portraits.  My friends are the kind of people who thank me for any little thing.  My dear readers are so generous in thanking me in this blog.  My heart goes out to those who don’t get thanked, so I try to genuinely thank others when they help me.  The tired clerk in the store, the hard-working waiter, the overworked health care professional, the guy who pumps gas, the flagger on the road construction crew. Verbalizing my gratitude is especially important in the family.  Husband needs to hear that I notice his hard work to keep up our place.  Our kids need to hear that we appreciate their visits, calls, and texts.  Our friends need to be thanked for checking on us, including us, and praying for us.  This is part of the golden rule to treat others the way we want to be treated.  
There are many examples in Scripture of recognizing others for what they have done.  The apostle Paul wrote nine verses at the end of his letter to the Philippian believers expressing his gratitude for their financial help.  He also named 27 individuals and recognized their spiritual contributions at the end of his letter to the believers in Rome.  
Since we have examples to follow in the Scriptures and the command to treat others as we want to be treated,   let’s use our conversations during the holidays to uplift others by thanking them at every opportunity and by sharing God stories.

 “So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.”  1 Thessalonians 5:11