I have been thinking about thanks and giving. Since tomorrow is Thanksgiving in the US it’s a great day to ponder the two words. During this season we often reflect on those things we are thankful for. I am going to suggest a slightly different way to think about it.
What if you began thanking people in the moment for the little things, the common courtesies? As you thank them think about how they have brought a little bit of grace into your life. Another way to think about thanks is in receiving thanks graciously. What if when someone gives you a compliment rather than deflecting their words you simply say, “Thank you”? When someone offers to help you, say “thank you” rather than minimizing their offer by rejecting it because you feel you need to be self-sufficient.
Now let’s look at giving. When we think of giving we often think it has to be a large gesture in order for it to make a difference. I don’t believe that. It’s often the small moments that have a ripple effect and change another person’s day. What if you looked for ways to give to others in the small moments? It could be letting someone merge into your lane at a stop light. It could be opening the door for a mom who is struggling to juggle a stroller and packages. You would be surprised how many people walk right by and don’t offer to help. Taking a moment out of your day can completely shift someone else’s experience.
Many years ago, when my husband and I were first married, we were driving home from Wisconsin after visiting my parents for Christmas. We didn’t have enough money for the last toll and were trying to figure out a way to get home that didn’t involve the tollway. When we went through the second to the last tollbooth, the attendant gave us our toll back and said that it looked like we could use a cup of coffee. We now had the money we needed for the last toll! I have never forgotten his generosity. It was a very small amount of money, mere cents, but meant everything to us. What small gestures do you remember that changed things for you?
Happy Thanksgiving to all of you! I appreciate you being in my life.
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