As we begin each day and go through our daily routines, how often do you say and hear, “thank you?” I can think of countless times I listen to it and say it, but do we all know why?
I am sure I have not said thank you nearly as often as I should have, and I am sure others feel the same way. In our fast-paced world, are we teaching the importance of saying thank you? Are we teaching the why behind thank you?
When we neglect to say thank you to others, we are sending the message to them it is expected and their obligation to do nice things. Taking for granted the kindness displayed by others is one way to break down the system of gratitude.
Young men opening the doors for young ladies was something I knew was expected as I was growing up. It was a sign of respect for young ladies. I was a small child looking out the window and could see my sister’s boyfriend always opening the car door for her. He came to the door to get her as well.
What does “thank you” really mean? It is an expression of gratitude given to someone to show appreciation for something they have said, shared, or done. The word “thank” stems from the Latin word tongēre. The root tong- means “think.” To interpret the root of the word, you may find, “I will remember what you have done for me.” You will remember the individual for the kindness they showed with gratitude.
The words thank, thanks, thankful, thanksgiving, and thanksgivings are all words of appreciation and gratitude. These words are found in the Old Testament 68 times and in the New Testament 63 times in the New King James Version. The importance of gratitude and offering thank you to others is also a thankfulness to God.
Have you ever heard someone say; you reap what you sow? I have heard that phrase many times from people. It is also in the Bible, Galatians 6:7. It tells us if we want to receive, we first have to give. It makes a great deal of sense to me now as an adult. I knew as a child we showed a lot of things.
I am thankful to my family for teaching me the importance of giving. What touches my heart more today is how I see it reflected in my daughter and grandchildren.
Teaching the reason for “thank you” and the meanings of all the words that make up gratitude helps us remember the importance of the love we share. On the darkest days, we can always find a light to bring us hope for the days to come.
