Saying “thank you” is ingrained within us since early childhood. We are taught to express thanks frequently after any act of kindness. In fact, it likely becomes routine for many of us and we don’t honestly give it much thought. I’m not saying that this gratefulness is disingenuous but there is so much more to thankfulness than a simple “thank you”.
The more full my suitcase gets the more I question what is already in the suitcase. Do I really need this many pairs of pants? Will I really need or wear this particular shirt? I almost always bring more than I need. I almost always forget to pack something important that I wish I had brought. In the same way some of us have packed things into our lives that are unhelpful, unnecessary and might even weigh us down in our pursuit of Christ.
Before someone can search for happiness or purpose or fulfillment, they need to have a certain amount of security in their life. Much the same way before I can really be free to pursue joy in Jesus or rest in my Savior, I need to be at peace regarding my security in my place in Him.
Do you remember when you were a kid? If your mom was anything like mine she made you say, “I’m sorry”. In fact your mother probably drilled that into you. But what about now? When was the last time you went to someone and ate the humble pie and said “Hey I was wrong and I’m sorry.” Think for a minute. Is there someone in your life today with whom you need to be reconciled? Perhaps someone with whom there has been a rift for years and years. Go make amends. Go ask for forgiveness. Go and make reconciliation today.
I remember when I first became a Christian, I was bumping heads with all kinds of people. I had a passion for Christ and I wanted to let everyone know the truth and what they needed to change their life and make themselves right with God. I was on fire for the Lord but I had no sense of how to handle this new found life, energy and passion in my soul. I had no idea how to love others in Christ, I had no sense of listening, offering grace and mercy or just praying for those who did not want to listen to the Gospel.