Special Days

There were a lot of “Happy Mothers’ Day” wishes made yesterday. And rightly so. There are great values associated with this special day on the calendar. Perhaps when you thought about the day, or someone special you honored, great virtues came to mind: love, kindness, caring…it’s a long list. Hang on, Dads! Your day is coming. What a wonderful thing it is to honor the virtues associated with good friendships and loving relationships. Never pass up an opportunity to raise excellent virtues into the spotlight of appreciation and thanksgiving.

In that line of thinking, what about a “Guy Who Drives The Garbage Truck Day”? Or, “The Traffic Guard At The School Crossing Day”? Or, “The Package Delivery Person Who Is Trying To Feed Her Family Day”? I don’t know if there is any inherent virtue in driving a trash-pickup truck, but there is certainly value to the community. Think about all the “unseen” people who make your life easier or more pleasant. Maybe they don’t “deserve” recognition” or a “thank you”, but would it cost me much to say “Thanks!” to the next postal worker behind the counter at my local Post Office? Not much. Would it make her or his day better? Maybe. Better to say it than to pick up your stamps and walk away.

So, I propose the official establishment of the following: “Long Haul Truck Drivers’ Day”, “Grocery Baggers’ Day”, “The Young Man Who Put Air In My Tires At The Tire Store Day”, “Landscape Woman With A Leaf Blower Day”…get it? Let’s be extravagant, over-the-top with our thanks to the often-unseen people around us. Thanksgiving is in the DNA of Christ Followers. We can’t help it. Look at all we have to be thankful for. Pass it around. Check out the third verse in Paul’s letter to the Philippian Christians: “I thank my God every time I remember you…” or to the Ephesians: “…I do not cease to give thanks for you…” or to the Corinthians: “…I give thanks to my God always for you…” One more: “Shining Spirits Who Make Life Beautiful Day”…that’s you. Thanks be to God through Christ, our Lord.