The Mouths of Babes: Expressing Gratitude

I never stop giving thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers. – Ephesians 1:16

One thing I’ve been trying to teach my boys lately is that the best thing you can tell a soldier is “Thank you for servin’ our country!”

Well, recently our family was in a restaurant in Washington, DC, where we saw some soldiers eating, so I urged Hampton to walk over and speak to them. Since he was a little nervous, Colby went with him for moral support. So off they went together, and Hampton said exactly what I had been teaching him to say to a soldier: “Thank you for servin’ our country”. Those soldiers smiled and gave my sons high fives.

Six little words out of the mouths of babes changed that place from just a restaurant that served food to a place that honored the brave sacrifices our men and women in the military are making every day so you and I can live free.

Approaching strangers and expressing your appreciation may not always be the easiest thing to do, and sometimes having a brother or friend along for moral support is needed, but showing a little gratitude is the least we can do in return for the freedom we have in our country.

Excerpted from Man Stuff: Thoughts on Faith, Family, and Fatherhood by Josh Turner, copyright Thomas Nelson, 2014.

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Your Turn

Have you made it a habit to express your gratitude to those serving our country? Or what about your family and friends? Tell someone today how much you appreciate them! Join the conversation on the blog. We would love to hear from you! ~ Devotionals Daily