Do you remember the “magic words”? Think back to when you were a child, and if your parents were similar to mine, you were introduced to the “magic words”.
These are the words that have a special power to them. They open locked doors and they transform hearts. There are only three of them, but the power they wield is way beyond their size. They are applicable to all manner of different situations and can be utilized by any human being capable of communicating.
They are often the first words we are taught as children. They are rehearsed over and over again by caring parents who know the power these words have to transform lives: the power these words have to help create good human beings.
The power of these words is so amazing that when used frequently they transform the heart of the user and the heart of the receiver. They actually facilitate change at the deepest level of our humanity.
Do you know these words? Do you use the magic words?
These words are of course, “Please”, and “Thank you”.
These words are not simply about being polite. They are in many ways the keys to being truly human.
“Please” is used in recognition of the fact that one should not simply demand something from someone. It indicates deference of some sort. It represents a realization that I should not force my will upon another. I must recognize their humanity – no matter who they are – and honor them by using “please” in my request.
Simply stated, using “please” with requests honors other people. It communicates respect, care, and value.
Of the three magic words, however, the real power lies with “Thank you”. “Thank you” contains a power far beyond our comprehension. “Thank you” is the expression we utilize to communicate gratitude, and the power of gratitude is enormous.
It has been said that a person without gratitude has lost part of their humanity. Zig Ziglar said,
“Gratitude is the healthiest of all human emotions. The more you express gratitude for what you have, the more likely you will have even more to express gratitude for.”
Gratitude transforms discouragement into courage, sadness into joy, hopelessness into hope, failure into success, a morsel into a meal, nothing into something, heaviness into happiness, self-pity into strength, bitterness into betterness, selfishness into selflessness, fear into faith, and much, much more.
Gratitude has the power to transcend any scenario. Gratitude can change our hearts. Gratitude is the beginning of whatever transformation you want to initiate in your life. Gratitude is the catapult to launch you from what is to what can be – and from what is, to what really is. Gratitude is a choice to see beyond what you currently see. It is a choice to focus on what is, as opposed to what isn’t. It is a choice to focus on what you have, as opposed to what you have not.
Is the glass half full, or half empty? The answer is “yes”. It is both half full and half empty. However, seeing the “fullness” is a choice – that is gratitude. The more we choose to see the “fullness” and be grateful for it, the more we will see what we have to be grateful for.
What if all you could enjoy today was that for which you expressed gratitude for yesterday? Think about that for a minute…I know in my life there would be a few things missing…
We have so much to be grateful for: a Heavenly Father who loves and delights in us; a Savior who made a way for us to beloved children in the family of God; victory of the bully of our souls, the warmth of the sunshine; the scent of lilacs; to live in a country free from war; etc., etc., etc.
Think of what you are grateful for – which should only take the rest of your life due to the sheer volume of it. Now, think of who is responsible for that and thank them. Thank them regularly and repeatedly.
That’s called an “Attitude of Gratitude”, and it will transform your life!
“Thank you” are indeed the most magical of words.
Ephesians 5:20
“…always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
1 Thessalonians 5:18
“…give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus”
1 Chronicles 16:34
“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.”
Psalm 100:4
“Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.”