But giving thanks is a sacrifice that truly honors me. If you keep to my path, I will reveal to you the salvation of God. (Psalm 50:23)

Read: Numbers 8:1 – 9:23, Mark 13:14-37, Psalm 50:1-23, Proverbs 10:29-30

Relate: I kind of knew what I was planning on writing with today’s devotionals. Then I started surfing the internet to fact check the story I was originally planning to tell so that it would be a bit more accurate. As is often the case my browsing found a rabbit trail or two or three. I bumped into a few letters written by some famous people. So instead of my original post, we are going to play a game. I’ll copy parts of some of those letters and you, in the comments section, you get to guess who wrote them. The prize? A heartfelt “congratulations”. (PS If you look them up instead of guessing, please don’t answer.)

1)My daughter and I just finished reading Life of Pi together. Both of us agreed we prefer the story with animals.
It is a lovely book — an elegant proof of God, and the power of storytelling.
Thank you.

2) Dear Pam,
I apologize for being so rude and thank you for not hitting me.

3) Thank you for your champagne.
It arrived, I drank it and I was gayer.
Thanks again.

4) I remember noting a quarter century or so ago that an emu was a 6 foot Australian flightless bird. I thought that got most of it right.
It turned out to be one of the most widely photographed spacecraft in history. That was no doubt due to the fact that it was so photogenic. Equally responsible for its success was its characteristic of hiding from view its ugly occupant.
Its true beauty, however, was that it worked. It was tough, reliable and almost cuddly.
To all of you who made it all that it was, I send a quarter century’s worth of thanks and congratulations.

5) While I still have got breath in my lungs I will tell you what a dandy car you make. I have drove Fords exclusivly when I could get away with one. For sustained speed and freedom from trouble the Ford has got ever other car skinned and even if my business hasen’t been strickly legal it don’t hurt enything to tell you what a fine car you got in the V8.

React: When was the last time I went out of my way to say thank you? I have been going through my stuff lately getting ready for a big move and I found in my closet three boxes of thank you cards. I bought all three boxes at different times at least three or four years back or more. Two of the boxes were still unopened. It is easy to say those two words without putting much thought or effort behind it, but does letting a couple words spill out in conformity to public courtesy truly express gratitude? Four of those five letters above were true expressions of gratitude. They weren’t expected or looked for. Who can I, today, write a note to or go out of my way to call for no other reason than because they have been a blessing? Who can I surprise with gratitude? How might I be able to honor God by saying thanks?

Respond: 

God, first and foremost, I just need to say thank you. There are no words to express how grateful I am for the many ways You already have, and You continue to bless me. I am forever in Your debt. Help me to express my gratitude by in turn being a blessing to others. Help me to honor You by thanking those You love for the times they have been a blessing. Let my eyes consistently seek, and my words and actions consistently show the heart of gratitude You are developing in me.