The Power of Thank you

Have you ever found yourself in a situation that felt so small but made a huge impact on your mama heart? Now, if you’re a parent I’m sure you can look back and think of many moments with your kiddos like the one I’m about to share. A year ago, I encountered something with my 2-year-old son that tremendously changed my view on the power of “thank you”. My son asked me for some juice so I went to the refrigerator and poured some into his cup. Usually, he would take his cup and walk away so I’d have to remind him to say thank you. We had been working on this for a while and I can proudly say that was one thing I was very consistent with, reminding him and teaching him to say “thank you.” This time, it was different. When I handed him his juice, he looked up at me with the biggest smile and said “thank you mama” in the sweetest voice. At that point, my son was still working on 3-word phrases so it caught me by surprise. Instantly, time froze while my mama heart melted and all those times of frustration from trying to teach him didn’t even matter anymore. I quickly experienced this short burst of joy that I unknowingly carried with me for the rest of the day. Later that evening, I had time to sit and reflect on my day. Now, let me just say that this hardly ever happens. I’m usually too tired to think about anything, let alone reflect on my day, or my mind is thinking of all the things I still need to get done before the night is over. But as I sat there, I could feel my mind clear up and focused in on the little moments that day, starting with my son’s “thank you mama” moment. It was as if the Holy Spirit was showing me a movie of my day. Following my son’s “thank you mama” moment, I sat down to play with my boys and actually forgot about how messy the house was. I also went on to do chores peacefully instead of feeling overwhelmed and filled with bitterness. I even cleaned the house multiple times without yelling at my boys from frustration. As this movie came to an end, my heart smiled as I looked over to see my boys sleeping peacefully on the baby monitor. I rested my head back on the recliner and repeated these words “thank you God for this life I don’t deserve. Thank you for my perfect boys and husband.” Then I fell into a deep sleep…with no shower or nightly routine. I just rested.

Please tell me I’m not the only one that has had these moments…Moments when you’re trying to teach your child something and it turns out the lesson was mainly for you? Moments where everything comes full circle and you not only see but taste the goodness and faithfulness of God? Moments where His love and mercy give you so much peace that you actually have a good night’s rest? He reminds us of this in His word. My son, do not forget my teaching. Keep my commands in your heart. They will help you live for many years. They will bring you peace and success.” (Proverbs 3:1-2) Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your path. (Proverbs 3:5-6) Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18) Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him. (Psalm 34:8)

Isn’t God just so amazing in how intentional He is with every detail of our lives? He intentionally shows up even when we keep messing up. He intentionally shows us how merciful and loving He is through our children. He intentionally gives us rest when we need it most. And all He wants from us is our heart, attention, and to abide in Him. I’ll admit that even after that special day, I still don’t have it altogether. I mess up often and I still struggle with letting things get to me but I am reminded often of His grace and mercy. The one thing God made clear to me that day is that He is always there for me even when I don’t have it altogether (just like I am there for my children). And in moments that I finally get it together, I bless Him so much when I give Him thanks and rejoice in Him (just as my son did with me). I don’t know where you are in this season of life but I want to remind you that God is in the trenches with you. He loves you so much that He will never leave you nor forsake you. He knows you’re not perfect and that’s why He loves you so much. Spend time in His word and presence and I promise you, He will give you rest and peace.

Prayer

God, thank you for who you are. Thank you that you are the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. Thank you for your promise that you will always go before us and be with us. Thank you for your love and mercy that you give to us every single day. Lord, thank you for the gift of motherhood because it is through that relationship that we get to experience and see a glimpse of your love for us. Meet us where we are and show us how we can be more like Jesus. In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.