Thanks 1

31 Days of Practicing Faith

In October, I am free writing for five minutes a day—raw and unedited—on practicing faith in the every day. Each day is based on a different prompt from 31 Days of Five Minute Free Writes. 

{Day 11} - Thanks

We Southerners are really good at being polite. From an early age we are taught the proper use of "ma'am" and "sir," "please" and "thank-you." I'll never forget the first time I said "ma'am" to a teacher who was from the Northern United States and she was insulted. Apparently, I said something that made her feel archaic when I was just repeating what had been drilled into me from birth.

We are polite, sure. But we're not always genuine.

I find myself teaching my children the same rules. The nice gentleman behind the counter hands my five-year-old a sprinkle cookie, the highlight of my little one's trip to the store each week. I wait to hand the cookie over until he says "thank you." He knows it is what is required to get his hands on that tasty treat, so he obediently says it.

That night as we cuddle on his bed, surrounded by stuffed animals and blankets, we talk about what we want to pray for and I ask him what he wants to thank God for today. He stammers and struggles, squirms and reaches for his storybook. I sigh because I know just how he feels.

I have a hard time truly focusing on being thankful. I can say the words I have been taught. I know all the right answers, all the things I have that are a gift right from the hand of God. All the things He is that deserve my humble gratitude. But my thanks are so often platitudes repeated before I get on to the requests that come far more readily into my prayers.

When I slow down enough to really dwell on who God is, I truly am more grateful than a simple "thank you" can say. May I slow down so that my thanks is more than just words.

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