“Remember to say thanks,” Mom said. It’s easy to forget. ‘Cause gratitude does not come naturally. Those magic words we learned as kids acknowledge we’ve been blessed. So let’s say thank you each and every day.
Remember to say thanks because it’s easy to be still and never let someone know how we feel. That special thing they did or said reminding us they care, deserves acknowledgment. It’s a big deal!
Remember to say thanks for when we do so we extend an honor to the one who honored us. And while it takes some effort to be grateful, it’s a key that unlocks a growing friendship. It’s a must!
Two spinster sisters lived alone when times were lean and tough. Grace was kind and Faith believed somehow they’d have enough.
Grace gave to others without thought. Her nature was this pure. While Faith, the younger, struggled some. Her hopes weren’t always sure.
Without her sister’s knowledge, Grace would work behind the scenes. She scrimped and saved (when Faith would sleep) to bring about the means to shed the rags of “getting by” and dress like royalty. Grace loved her sister and could see one day she would be free.
One day she’d flee from poverty. One day Faith would take hold of all she hoped and dreamed about: A mansion gilded gold.
One day arrived. Grace died and left her twin what she’d saved. ‘Twas in the bank and was not based on how Faith had behaved.
Yes, (Grace, through death) expressed her care for one she loved so much. The proof was Faith’s inheritance. An unexpected crutch.
But what Grace had made possible could not be earned through doing. All had been done that one could do. No need for stress or stewing.
The gift of Grace was in the bank all ready to be claimed. No strings attached or fine-print clause. It bore her sister’s name.
The only thing the bank required was that Faith show her face and then endorse the waiting check made possible by Grace.
For no one else could claim this prize as Grace had clearly shown. For only one could make withdraws. Just Faith and Faith alone.
And Grace has done the same for us. A life savings in our name. And though we don’t deserve what’s ours, it’s ours alone to claim.
No need to prove we’ve earned it, though. That’s one thing Grace insists. Eternal life comes through Christ’s death not our demanding fists.
It’s humbling, to say the least, to take what someone’s given. But that’s God’s plan. Our pride must die for us to be forgiven.
And when (with faith) at Heaven’s bank we claim what’s guaranteed, guess what’s compounded? Gratitude! A thankful heart, indeed!
Yes, thankfulness is interest earned on funds that grow and grow. But there is also something else I think that you should know.
St. Paul says in our text today, we’re not saved by doing good. But here’s the catch… Once we are saved, we can do the good we should.
We’re saved in order to achieve what we alone can’t do. By grace (through faith) we activate God’s plans for me and you.
My Rhymes and Reasons 