SAY, “THANK YOU”

So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you, compassion, kindness, humility … let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other … None of this going off and doing your own thing. And cultivate thankfulness. Colossians 3:12-16, from The Message (MSG)

Now that I’m living the “single life” since my husband has gone to his heavenly reward (translation: “single life” meaning no longer being dropped off at the door; having to haul out the ladder to change a light bulb; struggling to read the tire pressure gauge when the temps drop; breaking into tears when my computer issues far exceed my ability to diagnose and solve, etc.), I’ve often wondered if I ever said “thank you” to my dear husband for all of his kindnesses and the rescue missions he un-begrudgingly executed for me with little expectation of reward.

“Expressions of appreciation for the little things leads to bigger things, such as building stronger ties and sustaining relationships” – that according to an article recently published in The Wall Street Journal. Citing a white paper published by the University of California, Berkeley, Jennifer Wallace further noted that gratitude serves a “find, remind, and bind” function among partners. “When we value our partners, it makes us feel closer to them and motivates us to stay invested in the relationship … (often) he or she is motivated to exhibit positive behaviors and attitudes in return. The Berkeley white paper suggests that feelings of gratitude help individuals and relationships weather challenging situations …” *

While all of this makes sense and certainly is verified in the “one another” Scriptures and Paul’s word to the Colossians to “Be thankful …” (3:15), the truth is we often fail to notice the little kindnesses our husbands show us or worse, assume it’s “his job” or adopt the feminist perspective by keeping score and regarding our beloved as a competitor rather the man God appointed and equipped to sacrificially care for his wife and family.

If your conscience is being pricked about a tendency to be an ingrate or need some hints as to why we need to appreciate all that God blessed men to do and be, here are a few reasons Andree Seu Peterson listed in her article “Thank God for Men.” **

Men are stronger than women, can lift more weight (and open stubborn jars).
Men seem to enjoy doing the heavy lifting for women.
Men die by the millions in wars defending women and don’t complain about that either.
Occasionally we see men in women’s marches; but not usually the reverse.
Men do most of the inventing of neat stuff that makes our lives easier (even the techy stuff women use to broadcast hate for men).
Although most of the card companies are owned by men, they still produce greeting cards making jokes at the expense of men.
The best musical composers are men.
The best writers are men.
The best authors are men.
The best artists are men.
The best chefs are men.
Men are courageous, going down the stairs with baseball bat in hand when it sounds like someone is breaking in.
“Man goes out to his work and to his labor until the evening.” (Psalm 104:23)