As we enter Easter weekend, I am reminded that there is so much for which I am grateful; in that spirit of gratitude, I share these thoughts:
Now thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
– 1 Corinthians 15:57
Some of the most powerful words in any language are the words that express “thank you.” What makes them powerful is that they can transform us; they can cause change and generate a beneficial difference, not only to the person that hears those words, but also for the one that speaks them.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer, German theologian and Lutheran pastor, who famously gave his life as a martyr defying Nazi authority during the height of WWII, stated, “Gratitude changes the pangs of memory into tranquil joy.” (Letters & Papers From Prison)
Indeed, studies have shown that people who regularly practice gratitude report experiencing more joy and pleasure in their lives. They tend to convey greater compassion and generosity toward others, and are less likely to become ill due to the proven physical benefits that expressing gratitude has on the immune system. Gratitude has also been shown to facilitate working through grief when we acknowledge our feelings of loss and sadness as expressions of gratitude for past love and happiness.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy we have been born anew to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.
– 1 Peter 1:3
So, I ask, as a human family brought together in community, let’s put gratitude into practice right now by responding to each of the following invocations with those words of healing transformation: “Thank you.”
- For the ability to give and receive love; for family, friends, and loved ones, that we may never take them for granted, but rather as gifts granted to us – we say, “thank you.”
- For joys, successes, and accomplishments; for our good works and those who support us in the things we do; for the opportunity to use our gifts of time, talent, and treasure in the service of others – we say, “thank you.”
- For the struggles, sorrows, and trials of life; for the compassion and kindness in our communities that rise to meet these challenges in times of need; for the times we have been helped, or when we have helped others, or brought them joy – we say, “thank you.”
- For the wonders of creation; for beauty in music, art, and nature, and for the freedom of self-expression – we say, “thank you.”
- For new opportunities and new beginnings; for the many ways in which we can become better people, and a better community – we say, “thank you.”
- For the ability to say, “I’m sorry;” for the grace of forgiveness, given and received, for the generosity of others, and for second chances – we say, “thank you.”
- For the strength and resilience of the human spirit, and our ability to express gratitude even in the midst of adversity, loss, and grief – we say, “thank you.”
And now, I say “thank you” to all of you, and encourage you to carry these words and these feelings with you back into the workplace, back into your homes and communities. Let’s find opportunities to express gratitude, and say “thank you,” to our Creator and our Redeemer, and to each other.
Oh that my words were written!
Oh that they were inscribed in a book!
Oh that with an iron pen and lead
they were graven in the rock forever!
For I know that my Redeemer lives,
and at last he will stand upon the earth;
and after my skin has been thus destroyed,
then from my flesh I shall see God,
whom I shall see for myself;
and my eyes shall behold, and not another.
My heart faints within me!
– Job 19:23-27
Reflection questions:
- For what/whom are you grateful? If able, have you found a way to say, “thank you?”
- Feel free to share this post with others that you think would benefit from a message of gratitude and the knowledge that you are thinking of them this Easter Season. Happy Easter!
Scripture References
1 Corinthians 15:57 1 Peter 1:3 Job 19:23-27
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