Thankful...

This afternoon during Eli's nap, I sat down to get a few things done.  On the list of things to do was to write a thank you note.  A sweet friend has recently given Eli a pair of Stride Rite sandals and a pair of Crocs that were new or hardly worn that her son couldn't wear.  This has been a blessing to our family (um, kids shoes are EXPENSIVE) and I wanted to express my gratitude for these nice items.

As I wrote this particular note, I thought about the others I have written in the past week.  One to a friend who sent Eli some cute summer clothes.  Another to a friend who was reading a book, thought of me, and bought/sent me a copy.  I also thought of Eli's sweet grandparents and great grandparents (my Mom & Dad, awesome in-laws, and my grandparents) who brought lots of clothes, healthy treats, summer gear, etc a few weeks ago.  If I sent them thank-yous for every kind thing they do for us and Eli, I'd have to buy stock in Hallmark to support my stationery purchases.

The fact of the matter is - I am blessed and so is my little family.  We have some dear, sweet people in our lives - both friends and family - who love us tremendously and who make their love known to us by such kind and generous actions.  Although I wish it weren't the case, I can sometimes be a "negative Nancy" and find plenty a reason to be down in the dumps.  But somehow, writing the thank you note this afternoon really lifted my spirit.

My mom always told me that writing thank you notes was just something you do - that it is important to express gratitude when others do something kind for you, that it lets them know you appreciate them.  But I think it does more than that.  I think writing thank you notes (and simply reflecting on the things you are thankful for) does as much for the writer as it does for the receiver.  It allows you to tangibly recognize your blessings.

I am so grateful for mine.  And I am challenged, whenever possible, to try to extend and offer blessings to others.  There is so much joy in both receiving AND in giving.