Don’t Forget to Say…

Thank you. Two of the most powerful words a person can utter. This is not referring to the thank you said by rote to everyone and everything in our society. Rather the thank you of a sincere recognition that someone did something for you. How important are these two words? All we have to do is look at the first statement a person is supposed to say in the morning; modeh ani. Thanking Hashem, recognizing the amazing gift of life Hashem has given us, is how we begin our day.
The Alei Shor explains that thanking someone awakens and strengthens love between people. So much so that the foundation of love is to thank. Meaning, if someone has love, but does not recognize the kindness and actions others do for him, this love cannot last. So, by thanking Hashem first thing in the morning we are jump-starting Hashem’s love towards us.
Now we understand how giving thanks is such a powerful tool. It is the “weapon” of love. You want to increase love in this world, don’t go buying peace signs and hanging flowers all over the place. Instead thank people! (This must be done in a sincere way and not by just saying the words thank you.)
Do you want to add more love between you and your spouse, children, parents or friends? Thank them! Your wife made you a meal, thank her. Your husband helped clean the house (even if it is not up to your standards), thank him. Your children cleaned their rooms or behaved for once, thank them! The amount of love that can be cultivated from these small words is immeasurable.
I want to end by explaining that you should recognize when someone did something good for you even when they were obligated to do that good. For example, you paid a taxi to take you somewhere, even though you paid him he is still deserving of a sincere recognition that he did something good for you. This is especially true in the case of a spouse where we sometimes lose perspective and assume that our spouse has always done this or needs to do it, so a thank you is out of place or even understood. Even then, thank them. May we increase the love Hashem has for us and klal Israel. Thank you.