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“Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, And for His wonderful works to the children of men.” Psalm 107: 8 (& 15 & 21 & 31)

My boys may be beyond the age of that particular incessant request on my part, but you mamas of littles out there know what I’m talking about. A gift given or compliment received, and… wait for it, wait for it…nothing. Then, in your pleasantest mommy sing-songy voice: “What do you say?” A quick upward glance from that little angelic face to yours is followed quickly by, “Thank you!”

Oh, how I sometimes need that reminder for myself when it comes to the gifts given and mercy received from my gracious God. What about you?

Maybe there’s a decision you’re trying to make, and you’ve been knocking and knocking on His door about it, trying to discern clarity. Perhaps there’s a situation about which you’ve been begging for an answer—an illness, a job, a prodigal. Or you’ve been crying out to Him in pillow-soaking desperation over some deep anguish.

Then it happens—slowly or in dramatic fashion. Because one door closed, you walked through the other. Healing came, a job offer was made, a child returned. That desperation turned to exhaustion, which led to a peace that passed understanding.

And, like nine of 10 lepers surveyed, we run off excitedly to tell others of our deliverance. We may even give God the glory as we recount the details of our storm-turned-sailing-weather. But, amid our internal or external celebration, do we remember to turn back to the Gift-giver with thanksgiving?

I realize—like with that small child—the sheer joy of receiving may take our thoughts to what we’ll do with that gift. Totally understandable. But consider this our collective mommy-nudge…a reminder that our Father in heaven is awaiting those two polite words of gratitude from us. Whisper it, sing it, shout it, or do a dance. However we express it, let’s say, “Thank you” to our God.

“Lord, thank You. Thank You. Thank You. Thank You. Thank You.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Ministry