He-Said-She-Said, Tanks! – He Said | In His Name – She Said

With praise and thanksgiving they sang to the LORD: “He is good; his love toward Israel endures forever.” And all the people gave a great shout of praise to the LORD, because the foundation of the house of the LORD was laid. Ezra 3:11

My youngest turned twenty-one this week. Now he’s old enough to drink, vote, go to war, buy tobacco products, rent an apartment, open a bank account, and serve on a jury. (He still can’t rent a car.) He’s an adult, but he’s still my youngest, so as we celebrated his birthday with a game of bowling (not that “Wii” stuff), I reflected on his early years. Here are a few of his favorite sayings.

“Guess I’m just not lucky.” “Yeah, you white.” “Tanks!” Translations: “Why can’t I have that cookie?” “Yeah, you’re right.” “Thanks!”

“Tanks!” is perhaps my favorite. At that age he appeared so excited and appreciative. He still says thanks but not with the same energy. But who of us does?

Giving “Tanks!” doesn’t rate high in the socially-networked world where everyone is texting — sometimes to the person sitting next to them — but few appear truly engaged. Perhaps that’s why I treasure these “thank you” cards sitting by desk. Most came from writers I met at conferences: words of appreciating from authors with devotions, books and novel ideas. Each card represents the currency of life. Time. For it took time out of their day to say thanks.

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