National Thank-You Note Day

"Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His love endures forever." 1 Corinthians 16:34

Did you know December 26th is set aside as a day to thank others? What a great time of year, the day after Christmas, to drop those thank-you notes in the mailbox.

I started this tradition a few years ago. Sometimes, my notes may get lost in the mail for several months, though. (Ha! Ha!) My brother texted me this summer and said, "Wow. It's like Christmas in July. Thanks for my Christmas thank-you note." It's the thought that counts, right?

Even Jesus took the time to give thanks to His Heavenly Father. Before feeding the five thousand fish and loaves, John 6:11 says, "Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish." Hopefully, we spend time thanking God before every meal. Our family has been fairly lax with praying before mealtimes, but I pray food is something we never take for granted.

Jesus also spoke to His Father on behalf of the disciples, who began to see the workings of the Holy Spirit in their ministry. "In that hour, Jesus rejoiced in the Spirit and said, 'I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and revealed them to babes.'" Jesus knew He would soon be leaving His disciples and had worked to train them on asking for and utilizing their spiritual gifts. For the disciples to see that the same power that lived in Jesus also took up residence in them as well. What an answer to prayer! I love that God is still answering prayers today.

Before raising Lazarus from the dead, "Jesus lifted up His eyes and said, 'Father, I thank You that You have heard Me. And I know that You always hear Me, but because of the people who are standing by I said this, that they may believe that You sent Me" (John 11:41-42). Jesus knew Lazarus would rise from the dead. Through prayer, He modeled how to thank the Father for the multitude who drew near to Mary and Martha.

When we come to know Jesus as our Lord and Savior, He speaks to God on our behalf. I am so thankful Jesus loves us enough to bring our requests before the Father.Just know, that God does not always give the answer of "Yes!" Jesus did not say "And I know You always say yes." He said, "I know that You always hear Me." Can we thank God for the times when He tells us "No"? Certainly! I don't know about you and your situation, but I am more thankful for the No's than the Yes's. He has rescued me from many pitfalls in this life.

So, while filling out those thank-you notes for all the Christmas gifts you received this year, I encourage you to stop and thank Jesus for His goodness. Spend time alone with Him in prayer whether it's in your car, closet, or a quiet space outside. Everybody likes to receive a thank-you for a job well done and your Heavenly Father is no exception.