Little did I realize that my first “lively discussion” of the summer with my high school graduate would not be over curfew (thank the Lord for that), but would be over Thank You notes! Would someone please let me know that they too have a teen that argues over the value, wisdom and necessity of sending a Thank You note?
This entire discussion was fueled not only by his reluctance to write the notes and then by his poor first round attempt of writing them, but by the heartfelt notes we received from his friends. Here is an excerpt from two outstanding notes: (in case you want a sample for your child):
Thank you for the ____________. Those were such an ingenious idea! Thanks as well for the great memories I had at your house growing up. Sorry if me and your son were ever a handful. (Why not throw in a request for forgiveness; loved it!)
Thank you so much for the ___________. It’s so cute and seriously one of my favorite gifts! You guys mean so much to me and you always make me feel so welcome. (wow, that went straight to our hearts)
Writing thank you notes is less about the proper construction of a note than it is about having a heart of gratitude. I can easily teach my child how to write proper thank you notes, but frankly I need some major help when it comes to growing a heart of gratitude. This is a mission I do not want to fail in because 1) we are commanded to live from our hearts:
And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all they soul, and with all thy might. DEUTERONOMY 6:5
AND 2) to show gratitude:
Give thanks unto the LORD, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the people. Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him, talk ye of all his wondrous works. Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD. 1 CHRONICLES 16:8-10
I think our greater need as parents is not for more proof regarding the power of gratitude but for powerful prayers that will help our teen(s) develop and express a heart of gratitude for God, first and foremost, and then for all of the blessings, experiences, people, and things in their lives.
PRAYERS FOR A HEART OF GRATITUDE
Help __________ to know that “the earth and everything in it belong to You. ” (1 Corinthians 10:26) Give him/her the grateful heart for all of this and the wisdom to use the things of which You have given temporary custody to further Your kingdom.
Show ___________ that “all these blessings will come down upon you and spread out beyond you because s/he has responded to the Voice of God, your God DEUTERONOMY 28:2 THE MESSAGE and prepare his/her heart for gratitude.
