First Baptist Church of Herndon

The Science of Thanksgiving

Linda Soller | Nov 25, 2019

I am pretty sure it’s a scientific fact that saying thank you is contagious. Not sure where I learned that “fact”, but it sounds right to me. You say thank you to the person who holds the door for you and the next time someone does the same for them they say thank you and so on. Something that gets passed from human to human is often called contagious, so saying thank you must be contagious. Just agree, there is no need to over think this!

I went to the youth spaghetti dinner last week. I was so thankful I participated. The food was good, the fellowship was fun, the pastor’s words were impactful, and our youth saw the church family supporting them. That night I decided in my prayers for everything I mention that requires God’s attention, I’ll also give Him a thank you. It was easier to do than I’d anticipated. Indeed, that night my “thank yous” far out- numbered my concerns. Later in the night the motion light outside my bedroom window came on and woke me. I got up and looked out the window to observe two young and very fluffy raccoons wandering around my deck, picking up dropped birdseed, and just doing their thing. In my brain I knew they can be such a pain to deal with, but in my heart, I was grateful for that quiet moment with nature. Yes, even in the middle of the night.  

It’s one thing to study science and quite another to apply it. This week I encourage you to embrace my theory of the “thank you contagion”. Spread it liberally every day. Share it with everyone you meet. Give it willingly and freely. Don’t forget to give it to God. Give thanks with a grateful heart.

Be humble, be grateful, and be love in our world this week! :o) Linda