Thanksgiving is a truly special holiday. It’s a time to unwind, indulge in a hearty meal, watch football, and enjoy the company of loved ones. An essential part of the celebration is expressing gratitude to the Lord for the blessings in our lives. One tradition I’ve embraced as part of my pre-Thanksgiving preparations is writing thank-you notes to ten individuals I’m grateful for, an activity I call “Ten Simple Thank Yous.” While I strive to show appreciation regularly throughout the year, Thanksgiving serves as a reminder to focus on those who have made a significant impact on my life.
As a church employee, my letters often go to colleagues and parishioners who have inspired me over the year, but I also include friends, family members, and neighbors. Limiting my thank-you notes to just ten can be difficult and humbling, as it highlights how many people contribute positively to my life. The challenge lies in narrowing down the list to only ten.
About fifteen years ago, while doing this exercise, I noticed that three people on my list were sisters. Instead of sending individual letters, I decided to write to their parents, expressing my gratitude for raising such remarkable, faith-filled daughters. I didn’t inform the sisters about the letter, but they later told me how much it had meant to their parents, who even displayed the card on their mantel for their family’s Thanksgiving gathering that year. It’s a reminder that even the simplest acts of gratitude can have a profound effect on others.
Who will you include in your ten simple thank yous?
