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Two Beautiful Words

Many years ago, a very thoughtful Hindu told me that he believed the two most beautiful words in the English language were 'THANK YOU'.

Some years before that, my parish priest instilled in me as a boy, the need to thank God for at least ten things which would have happened to me each day.

Yet sometimes we can let the "giving of thanks" somewhat drop out of our lives. When we start to take things for granted - things from God and others - it is certainly time to really look at our self-centredness.

When we think outwardly, we become far mroe conscious of the joy of living. We also remember those - millions upon millions of them - who have no home, no school, no gas, no electricity, no bathroom, no radio, no TV, no computer, no shoes, no bike, no toys, no books, no medicines, no help. Then we wonder - what is our problem?

We can again realise how good it is to start once more to "give thanks" - for our family relationships; for all who have influenced us for good; for friends and neighbours. What a good thing it is when the 'phone rings and we can give thanks on our way to answer it. Then to be thankful for the call from friend or stranger. Express thanks for the courtesy we received when we made the call.

We can thank God too for the intimacy we can feel when writing letters or receiving them - for th eopportunity afforded to pray for the recipient or the sender.

How good it is to meet people fact to face - when they visit our home; meet them in Church; care for you in shops; stand near you at traffic lights; pass you when out walking, etc.

How important it is to 'give thanks' for the acts of kindness we receive or for gifts given to us or for the care we receive; also thanksgiving for all the beauty of the earth and sky and the wonder of God's creation.

What about the many blessings we have received when they have been the obvious answer to prayer? Our Lord was given that sadness when thankfulness was not expressed (Luke 17:11-19).

Further, how thankful are we for the FAITH we have inherited? It is so vital to be people of thanksgiving; for the name of Jesus; for His teaching, promises, miracles; His Life - as we say - for the Cross, the Tomb, the Resurrection on the Third Day, the Ascension into Heaven, the Sitting at the right hand, the Second and glorious Coming again.

By being thankful for all this and more, we shall find it easier to proclaim these great truths and so embark on true evangelism.

The following Indian proverb is on the right track:

When you arise in the morning,
give thanks for the morning light,
for your life and strength.
Give thanks for your food and for the joy of living.
If you see no reason for giving thanks,
the fault lies in yourself.

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Contact the Parish
P.O. Box 448
Southport   4215
Ph: (07) 5573 7977
E-mail: Fr Raymond
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Regular Services
Divine Liturgy
Sunday 8am
The Chapel,
18 Tonga Pl, Parkwood

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