Thank Someone This Week

I think it would be a good idea if someone promoted Thanksgiving cards. No doubt Hallmark is trying, but people don't buy the idea because they suspect commercial motivation. But what an appropriate time to sit down and think of a number of people who have given you something, and then make a point of a straightforward, unashamed state­ment of appreciation.

The most meaningful "thank yous" would be those sent to friends and relatives who are so close they'd never expect such a card from you. I'd like to see parents say "thank you" to their children for "all you have done for us." I'd like to see us draw up some lists of old experiences from home that have stayed treasured in our memories - and thank Dad or Mom for them. Things they'd never suspect meant a lot to us.

Then there's your wife or husband and all those things you appreciate but are so accustomed to that you rather expect them. Write them down and say "thank you."

Not only relatives, however. Perhaps your neighbor whom you have always appreciated. No fantastic person in the spectacular sense . . . just a neighbor who has been what a neighbor 'ought to be'. He won't listen when you tell him straight out how much you're thankful for him (but it's worth a try). So send him a "thank you" card. Or maybe there's a colleague or a co-worker who you should say "thank you" to.

Stop a few minutes. Trace your steps through an average day, week, year of your life 'til now . . . surprising, isn't it? how many stand out as people who have made life good just by being part of your life. Thank some of them this month and thank God for the people in your life.