Categories: Hazel Rosetta Smith,
Two words that should remain consistent in our vocabulary are thank you. There is no greater expression of gratitude than those two words. Thank you can soften the hardest heart. Thank you can lift the spirit of someone who seldom is acknowledged.
Whether it is ever shared openly or not, everyone appreciates being thanked for what they did and even when they are being thanked not knowing the circumstances. An explanation can come later, if needed.
Thank you would be a phenomenal entry into learning words if new parents would introduce them to their newborns. New mothers often get caught up wanting to hear Ma Ma, as their infant’s first words, much to their chagrin the first sound they hear is Da Da.
I believe every young person should be taught the importance of saying thank you for a long time before they go out into the world. Saying the words is not enough, they must have a clear understanding of appreciation and gratitude.
Once upon a time, thank you played a significant role in the chain of command in most households and was emphasized diligently by teachers from day one in kindergarten.
Somehow along the way, those simple words became casual automatic recitation. Two words that will quickly bring a sarcastic response when they are not given. Have not you overheard the comment, “you could have said thank you.” Even the rudest person is aware of those two special words.
When someone says thank you, it is a way to emphasize how they felt by what you did.The best gesture of the two words is eye to eye delivery, hopefully followed with acceptance. Sometimes the giver may add on what they are thanking you for. In any case, receive it and believe it, because they did not have to extend it.
It is said that people will forget what you said but not forget how you made them feel. Surely, both are of equal importance. Words can be like magic, opening doors to surprise and wonder.
Words are powerful, they can leave a sense of contemplation, however they can also unexpectedly bring misunderstanding in unintended ways.
What you say can hurt a person so deeply they will carry your words as an unhealed wound.
Your lack of voiced appreciation or gratitude for their input can create insecurity in how they interact with others. Yet, a simple thank you can soften their attitude.
Thoughtful pleasantries and well-deserved compliments can lift the spirit of someone and lead them to self-confidence and motivation.
As we remember to extend thank you to others, it is just as important to remember the reasons that we have to say thank you for the blessings that have be bestowed upon ourselves.
Every day when our eyes opened and another chance for life is available to us, it is an opportunity to say thank you to the one who made it possible. Thank you to the Almighty is the best thank you of all.
[Hazel Rosetta Smith is a journalist, playwright, and artistic director for Help Somebody Theatrical Ministries. Contact: misshazel@twc.com and online www.hazelrosettasmith.com]
