“What do you say?” Hasn’t
every child growing up heard that question more times than can be counted? The
situation is so common. Someone gives the child a cookie or piece of candy in
the parent’s presence and the parent says, “What do you say?” The child dutifully (hopefully) responds. “Thank you.”
It’s a social amenity but a necessary politeness to keep social
relations flowing smoothly.
I once heard a very experienced pastor and a world renowned moral theologian
say that when people come to him with personal or family difficulties, he gets
them to list the things that they’re thankful for. Then he suggests and
encourages them to express their thanks, not only to God, but to one another
for the things they appreciate in each other. He gets them to do this, not just
once or twice, but on a continuing basis in their daily lives. When people become
habitually grateful, and others realize that they are appreciated, situations
that are truly terrible can be turned around.
As a social amenity and on a deeper human level, gratitude and saying
thanks is proper, necessary, healthy and
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