THANKS LIVING
My very gracious wife of 46 years, Lindy, was absolutely glowing when she told me what happened last month at Publix, our local supermarket, when she encountered a small group of high school boys.
Our particular store is right across the street from a lively high school, and if you happen to go shopping just after school lets out for the day, well, let’s just say several flocks of girls and a few herds of boys like to mosey through the aisles looking for snacks or just decompressing after a hard day at school.
As she approached a small group of teen guys blocking an aisle, she paused, and then politely said, “Excuse me. I’m sorry. May I please squeeze by?” Most of us have experienced responses over the years from similar situations where there is a shy silence, an irritated grimace, or a faint grunt or two while someone moves aside, but it wasn’t so this time.
Three of the boys quickly backed up, clearing the way, while one stepped back apologizing, “Oh! We’re so sorry! Please excuse US!” How refreshing! What a gentleman, apparently well trained to take responsibility and show respect to a senior adult. Having been a high school teacher many years ago, my wife knew this reflexive spirit of grace and kindness usually comes from modeling and training at home.
Wow. Manna from heaven! Lindy was very touched and thrilled by that simple reflex of reciprocated graciousness in the aisle from this young gentleman!
Why is that so seemingly rare these days? In people from every generation? Why do we often fail to express kindness and appreciation toward each other? Sometimes that includes me, I’m embarrassed to admit!
My reflexive internal self-justifications are that I am too preoccupied with my own thoughts or focused on the task at hand. Or, I’m stewing over something that I just heard, read, or experienced. Or, I’m in a hurry and just don’t have time for that kind of thing.
Well, maybe so. Fortunately, this is not too often. But when it does happen, maybe it is something deeper. Buried. Forgotten. Hidden. Ignored. Glossed over. But not healed.
We’ve all had big challenges, shocks, and disappointments in this life, haven’t we? Maybe from family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, relatives, bosses, teachers, coaches, and more. We can also get so frustrated and even disillusioned with all the culture wars, controversies, diatribes and outright tragedies and disasters around the world.
While we’re young, it may be mostly disappointment and bewilderment with which we struggle. But as we get older, the accumulation of the harsh realities of life can weigh on us. Burden us. Batter, bruise, and even infect us with anger, resentment, and bitterness at the core of our being.
But not so with my life partner! She has a spirit of gratefulness that has marked her life from the day I spotted her across the room of the large college student ministry at our Austin, Texas church a few decades ago. A glowing beauty inside and out. So, I asked her to marry me a couple of years later, she said yes, and I’ve been blessed beyond measure for many, many years!
Did she have tough times growing up? Sure. Have we had tough times in our life together regarding the rugged things mentioned above? Absolutely. She has also had significant health issues for decades. But we, like you, have had far more great times and blessings in our lives, when we just stop to think about them, don’t we? We have also experienced the peace and joy that comes when we express our thanks to the Lord as often, reflexively, and genuinely as we can. She is so good at that. Even while living with chronic illness.
From “normal” things like food, shelter, clothing, homes, jobs, schools, friends and especially family, to fresh air, clean water, safe streets, free speech, strong country, mostly capable leaders, life options and much more, we can continually thank Him.
For all the personal blessings, teaching, training, comfort, encouragement, and care we receive from family, neighbors, pastors, teachers, mentors, professionals, medical teams, counselors and others, we can continually thank Him.
I call this “Thanks Living.”
It is a game changer. Heart changer. Life changer. Lindy has been great at it, and she has inspired me, our three sons and their families, and countless others to live out the promise and hope of Philippians 4:6-7. . .
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything with prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”
She lives this. It works. Ask anyone who knows her.
So, just a reminder. Let’s spread that kind of heart with as many people as we possibly can, shall we? Not just during this Thanksgiving season, but as a lifestyle. From our core. Year-around. Like the young man in that herd of boys in the grocery aisle, and especially like my wife. God is good. Very good, and very good to us. Let’s keep thanking Him and encouraging each other. Life’s too short to be grumpy!
Happy Thanksgiving!
Enjoying Thanks Living with you,
Pastor Mark
Articles, videos and podcasts:markpg.org. Write and share at [email protected]. Hear me every Saturday, 8 a.m. on 91.5 FM.
