Women of the ELCA’s Pinterest board, “Advice from mom,” features the best advice from moms across the ELCA in celebration of Mother’s Day. Even though a few weeks have passed since Mother’s Day, it’s always a good time to give thanks for the women in our lives.
When thinking about the advice my mom gave me, two pieces come to mind. “Always write a thank-you note” and “always have a bottle of champagne in your fridge.” The latter is because one never knows when an occasion to celebrate will arise. (For some reason the champagne advice just stuck.)
Although as a child I dreaded writing thank-you notes after every birthday, Christmas, confirmation, party etc., as an adult I understand the importance of this task. It’s about expressing gratitude to the people who care enough to spend time with and resources on you.
While on the topic of expressing gratitude, I’m looking forward to the July issue of Café. This issue will focus on ways to practice gratitude. Plus Café will be revealing its new design –and I am very grateful for that!
Of course, women across the ELCA express their gratitude with monetary donations called Thankofferings. These offerings are a tangible way to offer thanks for the blessings in our lives and to help to further the mission of Women of the ELCA and support the women and girls who are served by this amazing organization.
So, how do you remember to give thanks? Do you devote time in your daily life to expressing to others how you are thankful for them? Do you participate in collecting and sending Thankofferings? Is there a person in your life right now who deserves to receive a thank-you note?
Elizabeth McBride, the director for intergenerational programs and editor of Café is trying to focus on expressing more gratitude than attitude.