This blog is a simple exercise in thanksgiving.
With the Thanksgiving holiday approaching, I have been inspired to focus on passing along thanks to the people in my life that most deserve it. I've decided to send a thank you note to 40 different people in my life, sending one note each day beginning October 19, 2008, exactly 40 days before Thanksgiving. I will be thanking them for all kinds of random things from mentoring me in my faith to wiping away my tears.
Then I thought, how cool would it be to collect little notes of thanks from all around the world? One doesn't have to celebrate Thanksgiving in order to be thankful.
Why not leave a comment here and tell someone how grateful you are?
Maybe you'd thank someone for an unexpected kindness they showed to you, for helping you through a hard time, or for something as simple as a much-needed smile.
Maybe someone you'd like to thank has already gone on from this world, and perhaps you never got to tell them how grateful you were for their presence in your life.
Maybe you'd like to thank that stranger that held the door open for you when you were pushing a cart full of groceries with one arm and craddling your crying baby with the other.
Maybe there is someone from your past that you don't know how to contact, but know in the depths of your soul that they deserve your thanks.
There are countless scenarios in life which people deserve our thanks. The depth of some of that gratitude I can only imagine. So why not take a minute to thank that person in your life that really deserves it. Send them a note directly if you can.
If you can't send a note for whatever reason, leave a comment with your thanks here. (All you have to do is click on the word "comments" at the end of this post.) It doesn't have to be perfectly written, just speak from your heart.
This blog is just a place to be thankful. I'm hoping it will help extend gratitude and appreciation to those who both deserve it and need to hear it. Spread the word, and let's see what a grateful people we are.
30 comments:
Dear Miss Mary,
I really never got to tell you how much I appreciated you. I know I told you at some point, but I never REALLY told you. For all the years you cared for me so selflessly. For showing me love in spite of my bad decisions. For showing me patience when I didn't deserve it, and lovingly disciplining me when I definitely needed it. And for doing the same for my brother. Now that I have kids of my own, I can better understand the love you showed me all those years. I thank God that at least one of my kids got to meet you before you died. I think of you often, and treasure the last time I saw you. Despite the pain and illness that had invaded your body, your love for your "kids" radiated from deep within. That classic Miss Mary love was alive and well...not even cancer could suppress it. I can only hope to show that kind of love to my own children until I pass from this Earth. I am so grateful for your everlasting example. Thank you for teaching me, even after you've gone. I love you and miss you, Kristin M. - Merriam KS
Dear M.O.G.,
You've been gone so many years yet frequently, I think about the minsitry of small things that you accomplished in my life. from earliest childhood, there was always something special waiting for me at your house -- a flower, a treat, a gift, a photograph, your precious smile and witty words. You made an Event out of even the smallest of circumstances -- even a walk to the mailbox became an adventure. When you went on trips there were your funny postcards. When I went away to college, you sent box after box of cookies and endless cards to help heal this homesick heart. My first apartment was furnished with embroidered linens and needlepoint pillows stitched by your arthritic fingers. You were always there to chat by phone and your letters, in perfect penmanship, still make me smile with their Bright Words and funny Irish sayings. Thank you for planting seeds of love, kindness, fatih, family, wit and wisdom in the soil of my little life. Laurie - Overland Park KS
To Some special Women in Kansas
Wow, I could fill an entire blog just about each of you. I was lost and new and alone and you all gave me a place to belong. You taught me the depths of our Flesh women and helped me to knock mine out on occasion. You reminded me about the great gift of Motherhood and being a wife. You taught me to not be envious of others but to celebrate our differences. I miss you all.
Sheila: Thank you for the tissues, I cried in to each of them. And thanks for showing me your heart and at the same time showing me how to dress better. :)Thank you!
Kristen: You were the first Mom to talk to me at Colonial. I love your passion for the Lord. Your efforts to organize, and that you never see the great gifted wonderful YOU that You are! Thank you!
Mandy: Thank you for saying Hi at McDonalds, for including my family in so many ways into the lives of yours. Thank you!
Debbie: I love your sense of style and presentation and thank you for introducing me to Moms in Touch! What a gift! Thank you.
I know there is more to say. But you all held me up with prayer, when I did not want to move, when my back hurt so bad that walking was tough, You may not know all that you did, but I think daily of each of you.
God's job come in three types: The impossible, the difficult, and Done. I truly believe that he uses you all to accomplish those things.
Thank you and God's Blessings upon you all!
Holly,
Omaha, NE
To my Favorite Doctors and Nurses in KC…
This is the time of the year when I am reminded of the day I was given two special gifts in my life. They are miracles, you all know that. Your commitment to my husband and I is what allowed my daughters to be brought into this world healthy. Each and every one of you had a part in my pregnancy and delivery that day…without you, I would not have them! I am grateful to my five doctors who cared for me for over ninety days, I think you are brilliant. Thank you to all of my numerous devoted nurses who lovingly cared for my girls and I around the clock for eleven straight weeks. Your expertise, knowledge and loving spirit filled me with hope. I thanked God my babies and I were in your care every time you walked into my room. Your ability to know what was best for us brought unimaginable peace to my very anxious heart. This Friday my beautiful girls will turn seven. They are healthy, thriving, life-loving ladies. They fill my heart with joy, warmth and pride. I thank you for their lives and all that they have brought to mine.
Tammy—Toano, VA
Miss Mary,
Every summer growing up, I looked forward to Miss Mary’s highlighted calendar of events. Her chicken scratch and yellow highlighters marked our plans for the summer afternoons. She packed popcorn and twizzlers for trips to the dollar movies on Mondays, handed out golden tokens for trips to Chuck E. Cheese on Wednesdays, put stickers and animal puzzles in fanny packs for trips to the zoo on Fridays. But she did more than schedule our fun, she also taught us how to tie a knot in our shoes, rubbed sunscreen on our noses at the pool, nursed scraped knees — elbows, hushed our fears away during a nightmare, held us tight when we felt sick.
I will never forget the day I was stung by a wasp when I was playing in the tall weeds surrounding the basketball goal. It was a nasty sting near my right ear. In a matter of seconds, the small sting turned into a golf-ball-sized allergic reaction that spread down my neck. My face turned pale — the color of bologna; my lips turned purple, and I could taste the salty tears with every heaving breath. Miss Mary didn’t panic, but held me tight. She wiped away my tears, calmed my tantrum. She had a way of comforting me in the worst situations; she could make me feel like everything would be alright. It was her special gift, a gift from God. All ten of Miss Mary’s daycare children could tell a story about her ability to comfort, turn wrong into right.
And when she passed away, she could no longer hold us tight; we could only hold the memories of her tight — finding comfort in stories of her endless love, endless giving. I remembered the Miss Mary that taught me to tie my shoes: loop, swoop, pull. I remembered the Miss Mary that nursed my split lip after I was hit with a plastic hockey stick. I remembered the Miss Mary that watched me finish my meals before I could play outside.
My Darling Daughters,
As a young mother I was so delighted to have my very own living "dolls" to play with. Thank you for being so cute and cooperative! Little did I realize how you girls would impact my life forever. I appreciate so much that you girls were patient with me early on while I did much of my own growing up.
I am thankful that you both have always honored and respected us as your parents. That is a wonderful gift that you give us. Today I look at you girls and realize that I really didn't have much to do with creating the beautiful women you have become. God designed you that way and I am thankful that he let me be there for the process.
Thank you girls, for continuing to welcome us into your lives. Thank you for making me feel like your friend as much as your mother.
The best blessing I could give to you is to pray that you both have daughters just like yourself.
Gayla -Siloam Springs, AR
Dear Emily and the guy in the row behind us,
When I took my son to his first concert, you were both so generous. The guy behind us gave Luke the guitar pick he caught from Robert Randolph. The lady beside us, Emily, took Luke backstage on her pass to meet his favorite band, Switchfoot. Wow! Random acts of kindness that will never be forgotton by a grateful 12-year-old and his mom.
Jesus lives in the unexpected actions of others -- and it was the gesture, not the result that was the lesson learned from your heart. Thanks.
Susan, Overland Park
Dearest Judy, Sharon, Sandi, and Judy ...
Thank you for your abiding friendship, support, and smiling hearts. You have been the wind beneath my wings. XO --db
Dear Di,
You're a very special person and my life is RICHER BY FAR because of you!
My friends are truely inspired by God to be the kind of friends they are and I thank them for being open to God's inspiration. I am thankful that I am scolded for not comming around enough and when I do I am not company. I am thankful that even after making the choice not to marry and have kids, I have a bigger family than I could ever imagine complete with dirty diapers, bedtime stories and discovering wonders like wind chimes, tree bark and flowers for the first time. Though the parties and celebrations are great I am most thankful for those quiet moments looking into wondering eyes, regreting only someday having to leave before seeing how the story ends.
~Danny Minnetonka, Mn
Dear Sarah at Men's Warehouse,
My husband and I called you yesterday from Colorado asking for your help. It's a long story that you already know, but basically you were our last resort after a very discouraging day involving wedding tuxedos. When we called to ask for help, you immediately treated us like human beings and not like mere "customers". You listened to our story and had compassion on us, saved us 3 extra hours on the road, and most importantly, enabled us to see the precious daughter we hadn't seen in a week before she went to bed. You were an answer to our prayer and I wish more stories like that would show up on the news amidst all the bad stuff. There ARE caring people who are still willing to help a neighbor in need. THANK YOU for reminding us of that. love, C & P --Kansas City
thank you God for creating me and giving me the chance to live on your beautiful earth!
thank you for loving me even though i am far from perfect. thank you for being my closest, truest friend.
i love you.
Forty-one years ago I was a student in Dorine Maloney's class at Oak Park High School in Kansas City, MO. It was an accounting class of some type. I don't remember the exact name, and I struggled in it (debits toward the window, credits toward the door - I still can't grasp the concept of double entry accounting). But, the point is, her gentle and encouraging nature in that juncture of my life provided a beacon that was sorely needed. She named me her "class assistant" which made me strive to do my very best. Simply put, she believed in me.
Right before graduation she presented me with a gift - Webster's New World Dictionary. I still have it and it occupies a prominent position on my desk. I actually still refer to it.
Inside the front cover she wrote "Dear Gwen, May your years in college and your future be very happy and successful. Thanks for the many hours you have helped me this semester".
I didn't go on to college, BUT, my life has been happy and successful beyond my wildest dreams. Thank you, Mrs. Maloney, for being someone who guided me down the that path.
Gwen, Shawnee, KS
Dear Chester,
I am so thankful for what a great older brother you were to me. In our little small town, there wasn't that much to do; and because you included me in your circle of friends, even though I was four years younger and full of the foolishness of junior high immaturity, I always had a social life. I am so thankful that you enjoyed me, especially since there's so much about me that I did not, and in some cases still do not, like about me. I remember how you would fall off your chair laughing at some silliness i was doing.
I miss all of that. I miss you, even after 18 long years. I am so grateful that I had you for a brother. I will never take that for granted.
Love, Paul
Dear Brett,
I know I've said I'm sorry again and again, and I still could say I'm sorry a hundred times over, but what I have needed to say even more than sorry is thank you.
Even though I betrayed and hurt you, you never treated me with anything but love and kindness. You have never said anything hurtful though I've much deserved it, you never were cruel or cold.
What you were was a true friend; someone who was forgiving, someone who was completely selfless, someone who offered anything to be of help or comfort. You have been the definition of a real friend, and I will always consider you to be the best friend I ever had even though we aren't nearly as close as we used to be.
Thank you for teaching me how great the gift of forgiveness is and for granting me it even though I didn't deserve it. You could not even come close to imagining how greatly you impacted my life, or how much admiration and respect I have for you.
I hope many more people can be touched by your love, kindness, and wisdom. You are truly one of a kind. I hope God blesses your life in more ways than you can imagine.
Thank you again,
Kala
Thanks to God for His unconditional love and forgiveness, for never giving up on me no matter how long it takes for me to learn something, for giving me the family and friends I have, for my job, my mind and my health.
Dear Shari,
Thanks for being my friend for 30 plus years. We have been through so much together. You are truly one of those friends who despite the fact that we live in separate towns, do not get to speak to each other as often as we like, and live busy lives, we can re-connect instantly. We know each other sooo well.
Dearest Heavenly Father,
Words seem so inadequate to tell you how thankful I am for the Bible. How truly lucky I feel to be able to read your Word every day. Truly, truly Your Word is lamp unto my feet and a light unto my world. When I read your Word aloud I feel your presence and am in awe. May I never take your Word lightly.
Dear America,
I am so grateful and thankful for my country and the freedoms that I enjoy. Are we perfect? No. Do we have lots of problems? Yes. Are we still the greatest country to live in in all the world? A resounding yes. I still get teared up when I sing the National Anthem. I still thank God every day for blessing our nation and allowing us the freedom to worship where we please, live where we want, and the ability to disagree with one another. You never know how good you have it until to travel to another country.
TO the man who paid our toll on the Houston beltway in 2006. You made our day!!! My daughters and I have spent every fall looking for a chance at random acts of kindess. As soon as Autmun offically arrives we look for special things to do for people that we do not know. We bought breakfast for a couple of senior citizens, we bought lunch for some soldiers in the airport. We have moved shopping carts out of parking spaces. Although we do these things all year long, we make a point of finding one thing to do each day every day of Fall. My 6 year old even has challenged her friends to see who can do the greatest thing each day. All because an unknown friend in a pick truck with a quarter horse bumper sticker paid our way. Even the toll booth attnedant that day had a smile on her face. The smiles keep coming two years later. Thank you!!!
Dear MFM friends,
It has been a priviledge being your leader for the past several years. Thank you for being my friends, sisters, cheerleaders and sounding boards. I am so humbled that you place your trust in me to facilitate our group. Thank you Susan, Sarah, Melanie, Jodie, Marsha, Jeanine, Collene, Angie, Melissa, Mindy, Holly, Amber, Debbie, Hilary, Kristin, Mandy and Rochelle. God's blessings upon all of you.
Dear Mary Lee,
Thank you for being a wonderful mother in law. I know how lucky I am to have a great one. You have also been a great grandmother to our 4 children. I cannot count the number of strings and band concerts you have been to. Not to mention the sporting events where you have braved the cold and heat. I know my children will look back and remember all the special times they have spent with you. You are a jewel!
Dear Mom,
Thanks for your unconditional love through the years, for helping me come to know Jesus at an early age, for being a role model of compassion, for knowing when to speak out and when to listen in silence, for anchoring our family in faith, for being an encourager of so many, for having many children -- yet helping each to feel truly special, for being understanding in the face of my stubbornness and sometimes, stupidity, for offering your forgiving spirit often and sometimes, before it's warranted --and especially, thank you for your smile which blesses every day of this life. I love you!
Your Daughter
To all the veterans of my great country who have fought and even given their lives for me:
"It is the soldier, not the reporter
who has given us freedom of the press. It is the soldier, not the poet who has given us the freedom of speech. It is the soldier, not the campus organizer who has gives us the freedom to demonstrate.
It is the soldier, not the evangelist who has given us the freedom of religion. It is the soldier who salutes the flag,
who serves beneath the flag,
who allows the protester to burn the flag, and whose coffin is draped by the flag." The author of this writing is unknown, but expresses my gratitude perfectly. I also extend this gratitude to those currently serving and those yet to serve...thank you.
Dad,
You never said much about the years you spent serving our country. I often wonder what things you witnessed and how those experiences of war impacted you. Because you were silent on the topic, we were also silent about it. It is too late to ask you about it. But perhaps it is not too late to say thank you for protcting our freedom. So, thank you, from one of your children.
In this quiet moment, having been ill for weeks on end, I give thanks for all of the friends who called to say they care, the ones who brought homemade chicken soup, jello, pizza, beef stew, fruit, apple cider (not all at the same time), the ones who insisted, saying "you MUST see a doctor about that cough." Thanks to all of you for the prayers, calls, listening ears and tangible (edible!) support. My life is deeper because of you. The knowledge of "not alone" is precious.
Thank you Dear God, for the your plan, for giving us Jesus, and for the very personal experience of His love and forgiveness.
Dear Brother,
Your road has not been easy. The struggles you have faced seem unfair. But life was not always so dim. I rememeber the days of your laughter and times of joy, the glint in your eye and your happy smile. I hope you know that you are loved. And whether your days are bright or cloudy, there is someone who believes in you, cares for you, prays for you. Loving you always! Sis
To the Man in the Restaurant Today,
Thanks for being kind to two cranky people. You turned our day around.
K.
Kaeli,
From the first day of your life, you have been special to me. I remember holding you when you were just hours old. There was a sweetness to you then and the past 19 years have not changed that except to make you dearer.
I pray God will bless your travels and your life.
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