My mother taught me to write Thank You notes.

She would give me a simple card on which to write and station me at a card table set up for the purpose. I was in the living room beneath a small window on the side of the house. Blue sky above made daydreaming much easier. Birds in the vines below the window were a pleasant distraction with their chatter.

My Mom offered simple instructions. I remember some of those guidelines. Be specific. Name the gift. Tell the person why you like the gift. Or how you will use it. Use complete sentences.

I have a clear memory of rewriting some of those Thank You cards. Mom was helping me learn to honor gift-givers. She was teaching me to be courteous and acknowledge the efforts of someone else.

More than anything else, my Mom was planting the seeds of a thankful spirit within me. I have come to understand that gratitude is the prevailing attitude of the maturing Christian. I have discovered that thankfulness is the pathway to joy.

I have seen Scripture double-down on the notion of thankfulness.

Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good.
His love endures forever.
Psalm 136:1

As you enter this holiday weekend devoted to Thanksgiving, I encourage you to give thanks to the Lord. Be specific. Name His gift and why you are thankful for it.

You don’t have to use complete sentences as you honor the Giver of every good and perfect gift. Rejoice no matter what circumstances you face. Experience His joy and give Him the glory for His work in your life. His love endures forever.

Love and blessings,

Dave