It seems today that many people have perfected the art of complaining. People in general seem to complain about anything and everything: it’s too cold, it’s too hot; my spouse works too much, my spouse doesn’t work enough; the government is too involved in our lives, the government doesn’t do enough for us; no one asks for my help, no one offers to help me; he’s too fat, she’s too thin. The list of complaints is endless.
How is it that so much energy is spent on broadcasting what is wrong and very little, if any, energy is spent on sharing the good that each person experiences each day? Yes, we all – every single person – experience something good each day. Simple things as waking up each morning; each morning bringing a new opportunity to succeed at life; each day giving a chance to invest in another’s life with the hopes of reaping the good one has sown; someone acknowledging you with a kind greeting, a simple smile, or a sincere compliment.
How different would your world be and how different would your effect on the world be if you made a decision to express ‘thanks’ each time an act of kindness was shown to you? Let’s face it, someone took time out of his (her) life to be kind to you, e.g., held the elevator or opened a door for you, hosted you for overnight(s), offered a sympathetic ear, assisted with a project.; therefore, it is only proper that you would take time out of your life to express your gratitude for the kindness you received.
Although, there are situations that a simple voiced “thank you” is all that is required, there are many more times that “Nothing can replace the acknowledgment of a kind deed better than a handwritten note from the heart.”
To be continued…
Studied elegance and facility in style of expression:
I agree a hand written note of “Thank You” from the heart…Thanks Loretta we need to make the time to do that…considered “thoughtful” to express ones thoughts in a thank you…okay…I received that …Praise the Lord Jesus for You.
Thank you for your comment – yes, it is important to take the time to express gratitude. Just think how it affects you when someone acknowledges your acts of kindness, especially, by written expression. Well, it affects others quite possibly the same way.
This was a very good message. I think the best I’ve ever heard on this suject was a by a brother that has past away around 10 years ago, his name was Mickey Bonner and the message title was “The Power of Words” If I can find a copy I’ll get it to you. I’m looking forward to the next one.
I’ve not heard of Mickey Bonner before now – after reading your comment, I goggled his name and read a blurb about him from the Baptist Press dated Jun 9, 1997. He was associated with Institute in Basic Life Principles. Well, if you do find a copy, I would be interested in reading it. Thanks for your comment
I’ve been reading through your blog and it is so enjoyable; it’s like a breath of fresh air.
Some may think expressing kindness through notes is a lost communicative art form. I, personally, keep a variety of pretty, elegant stationery of ‘thank you’ notes on hand to send (just like my mother did) in order to show appreciation. Whenever I’ve followed up with the recipient to see if my note was received…without fail, I’m was always met with an uplifting tone in the person’s voice, who immediately expresses their gratitude.
I, too, believe that a gesture of thoughtfulness goes a long way and is quite memorable. Even a smile and encouraging words works very well on a semi-disgruntled salesperson.
Dear Mae Mae,
You will be delighted by my next blog entry, which I will post tomorrow. The title “Thank You: a dying art?”
I agree with you that the handwritten note seems to be a ‘lost communicative art’ ~ and let’s face it art is a form of communication; therefore, that makes note writing an art.
My mother and grandmother were gifted with beautiful penmanship and they (as your mother did you) taught me the importance of note writing.
It is a delight to communicate with a ‘fellow-note writer’
let’s stay in touch,
LH
Thznk you for the blog. I feel remiss that I have not been more faithful writing thank you notes. I keep thinking I need personalized cardstock and a music nib pen. However, I just need to do it, don’t I?
I am reading this because, “yes, I do like you”. what a joy to read this blog. So true, so true, we have forgotten the importance of a handwritten “Thank you” I know how I feel when I receive a note from someone, first I am usually surprised and then I really feel special to think that someone took the time out of their busy schedule to thank me for my act of kindness. As someone else wrote, it encourages me to be more mindful of showing the same courtesy to others. Continue to remind us of the little things, we so often forget to do!!As always, it is a joy to hear from you, my friend!!
Dearest Larry and Loretta, It’s been so long since we’ve communicated – I love and miss you both – Praying that all is well with you. So often we get swept away by the “raging-river” of ‘hurry-up-rush-get-it-done’ that we don’t take the time to say or write “thank you”. Thanks for the reminder – be blessed in Him – Ephesians 3:20,21 (Amp.)