Thank You Matters

Over the course of the last 6 months, I have become addicted to blueberries. They have been a great snack that have allowed me to meet some personal goals I’ve set for myself. Many of you have seen me down an entire pint in Sunday school. Some produce has been scant the last week or so, for obvious reasons. Blueberries has been one of them... but I found some this morning! I was so excited! While in the produce section, I leaned over to the manager and said, “Thank you for your hard work. All of you have been doing a tremendous job managing the chaos.” He looked at me, shocked, with tears in his eyes, and said “thank you... we don’t hear that much.”

It’s a simple thing, really, to say thank you. Yet how often do we miss the opportunity to do so, especially given the individualism and inward self-focus that has captured most. When thank you is offered to a service worker, a cashier, a shelf-stocker, a waitress, or anyone else you encounter that serves you in any way, it’s not just a pleasantry... it’s not just good manners... it’s offering God’s love to someone who may be in desperate need of it, hungry for it, or forgotten it. It’s a Holy moment that tells the recipient they are a beloved child of God. First Thessalonians 5:18 says, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” Brothers and sisters, practice sharing God’s love by saying thank you as you go about your days, and rest in God’s peace this night. May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you. May the Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace. May the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, keep you safe and make you strong, this night and always. Amen. Fr. Brian+