A Heartwarming Moment

By:  Donna Martin

We were enjoying Christmas dinner with our children and grandchildren.  Our small apartment was filled with laughter and lively conversation as we gathered around our table.  I was sitting at the end of the table with two of my granddaughters.

Amid all of the chatter my little two year old granddaughter looked up at me across the table and sweetly smiled as she said, “Thank you, Nana, for making me this meat.”

My heart melted more quickly than the butter I had just spread on my potatoes.  “You are so welcome, Finley,” I replied.  It has been almost 4 days since I received that sweet thank-you, but it still warms my heart to think about it.  I can still see the bright twinkle in her beautiful little eyes and the smile on her pretty face. 

I smiled when I recalled the moment today as I went about my work.  I thought about how happy it must make God feel, when we, his children give him thanks for all that He does for us each day.  The Bible tells us to “give thanks to Him and praise his name.” (Psalm 100:4)  “Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Ephesians 5:20.)

Do you have a thankful heart?  How would being more thankful improve your relationship to God?  How would it improve your relationship with your spouse, your children, or your co-workers?

As the New Year begins why not begin it by listing all of your blessings and offering thanks to God for all he has done and all he has provided.  Look for opportunities to thank others even for small things.  Have an attitude of gratitude with your spouse.  Sit down and write thank-you cards for the gifts that people have given to you.  I think you may be surprised by the way being thankful may improve your life.

A good book to read about being thankful is Thank You Power, by Deborah Norville. 

The Martins currently present “Happy Together” marriages seminars for churches and organizations.  To schedule a seminar call Michael at 940-735-1515. They also publish a weekly “Happy Together” Blog about family and marriage issues.  You can order copies of their new books Dancing With Death and 366 Tidbits We Have Learned in 14,610 Days of Marriage, read, and subscribe to their “Happy Together” Blog by logging onto the Martin’s website at www.happytogethermarriage.com.