"THANK YOU"

Not long ago, I heard a radio talk show guest remark that we may use the words "thank you" too much, so that the phrase becomes meaningless.
"No! No! NO!" I shouted silently. "Thank you" is one of the most important expressions in any language.
'Thank you" should be said with a smile - for a gift, a kind word, or even a small courtesy like someone holding a door open. "Thank you" brightens the day for both speaker and hearer. It makes a connection, even if for only a moment. It is the language of the love called "agape" in Greek, a Jove and compassion for everyone: family, neighbor, and stranger.
"Thank you" can be used meaningfully, or casually, or when there is nothing else to say.
In formal situations, "Thank you" signals a willingness to be polite, to treat others considerately, whether the issue is friendly or adversarial.
Even in the most uncomfortable situations, it is impossible to say "Thank you" (even sarcastically) without a lessening of stress, a lightening of the spirit.
"Thank you" is the hallmark of civility, of community, even of civilization.

Thoughts from Lyn Pickhover

Lenten Devotions
March 13, 2021