Tis the Season of Thanksgiving, and I know of no more an appropriate action that any of us could take greater then expressing thanks. Thanks are deserving of our expression for many different reasons and there are many ways in which we can accomplish the task.
How about silent thanks which we can express in a way that the recipient doesn’t know who the surprise has come from? When was the last time you received something but you didn’t know from whom? It will make you walk around in such as way as to be nice to everyone, wanting to express your thanks to all, not knowing whom to personally acknowledge for your gift. That type of living is really not an inappropriate way to live at all, actually, it would make us much more grateful and just imagine how different the world would be if we lived that way…exciting huh? How about a real word of thanks where you write a personal note to someone and it wasn’t produced by some committee or hallmark greeting card writer. A note I personally cherish is one written to me by Stephen Cawood. It was on a simple index type card with his name on it that expressed his thoughts and it meant so much then, and still does today. I am certain he has no idea of the impact of his note a couple years ago and how that encourages me. How about picking up a food bill for someone that is eating at a restaurant or stepping up to the fast food counter and saying, I’ve got this. There might be a little bit of, “no” at first, but just be firm, this is what you are doing and I’m sure the worker will take your card or cash and you can say thanks that way, and I know that will make a difference.
Over the years I have always attempted to be someone that said thanks, but there are some folks that I wish I had said thanks to more often then I have. If you are someone that doesn’t take a “thanks” well, then please don’t stop us for doing such because if you will not allow an individual to say thanks then you become a thief and rob them of something that is rightful to do and certainly appropriate. When was the last time you said thanks to a teacher that has no idea they made a difference in your education. I cannot help but remember Mrs. Dorothy Engle, my first grade teacher, and Mrs. Carter, my second grade teacher at Arjay Elementary School. What a difference they made. I recall their gentleness, soft words and encouragement in accomplishing task age appropriate that are sometimes difficult to master when you are a little one. Remember early days are a good thing and honoring new friends in our new days is just as good. I’ve got new friends that have been a blessing that I need to say thanks to. I realize that for some individuals they don’t have any new friends, basically they have the same friends they have always had. There are a lot of ways to make new friends. If works takes you away from home, there is a chance plus you can deal with a little “home sickness” better if you don’t stay cooped up and in your own little world. Travels on vacations and weekend experiences create a great chance to meet new folks, after all, saying hello might just lead you to a better understanding of how small the world really is, and you may just have friends in common that you would never have discovered if you didn’t say hello, or ask, “how are you”.
Jeremy Skiles and his wife Sarah are two friends that have earned my respect this past year. They will say I am not wrapped all that tight, so please, no one agree with them, they need no encouragement along these lines, ha, ha. Melissa Steapleton is just as dandy and we always have a great time laughing and hanging out, but don’t hold it against her, she from Indiana. Evan Miller is another new comer that has earned a word of thanks as he is a great listener and the perfect birthday planner. Evan is from that other end of Kentucky in Murray, so I could just write that he’s from Missouri but I know he will smile with me as I say thanks in this endeavor. Chris Merrifield from Knoxville, Tennessee has become a great friend and someone that I must say thanks to for being genuine and real in a world that is so often filled with the disingenuous. My final salute to new friends must be Phil and Donna Mitchell. Phil loves bluegrass music so you know he’s in my circle of friends and Donna makes the best homemade spaghetti, so she “cook of the year”.
Not sure who you need to say thanks to, or by what method you will choose to honor those that you love and appreciate, but there is no better time then now, as we celebrate the Season of Thanks.
Until then
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