^"32 Marriage is the beautiful design of the Almighty, a great and sacred mystery—meant to be a vivid example of Christ and his church. ³³ So every married man should be gracious to his wife just as he is gracious to himself. And every wife should be tenderly devoted to her husband."  Ephesians 5:32, TPT

We are made to give thanks and praise and glory to God. When we do good things for others, especially with a heart of love, the LORD gets the thanks--which is one of our highest goals in our lives on earth!

As my husband and I have discovered, just being as polite to each other as to anyone else, by saying, "Thank you"--even for the smallest help or thoughtfulness--is a powerful tool of grace and strength for marriage, the most precious of relationships that should mirror our walk with Christ.

To me, being gracious and tenderly devoted definitely include expressing our thanks to our spouses, and to everyone to whom we owe that honor. I am so thankful that my dear parents taught me to be thankful for every good thing, and to write notes and emails and call to tell people I appreciate them! I have amazed several people just by sending a written card of thanks!

Being thankful is a choice, and will bring great joy. As I Thessalonians 5: 16-18 state, " ¹⁶ Let joy be your continual feast.¹⁷ Make your life a prayer. ¹⁸ And in the midst of everything be always giving thanks, for this is God’s perfect plan for you in Christ Jesus."

I dare you to do an experiment: Ask God to help you be more thankful and to express it by saying "Thank you!", and experience your joy and relationships improve!  

Tonja and her husband live to exalt God. They lift Him up in books (P.O.W.E.R. Girl!; LEGACY; Visions of the King; Your Holy Health; more); presentations; service in church, community, and the world; and via the "River Rain Creative" (309 videos) and "POWERLight Learning" You Tube channels.