“Name five books you would want if marooned on a deserted island.”

1. The Bible
2. The United Methodist Hymnal
3. Boy Scout Handbook
4. Recipes for Fish and Coconuts
5. Boat Building for Dummies

Rudyard Kipling lived from 1865 to 1936. The British author is best remembered for  The Jungle Book. Countless boys have also memorized his poem entitled If for English class.

During the height of his popularity, Kipling became so popular that his writings earned 10 shillings per word—an exorbitant sum for the time.

A group of college students who did not appreciate his work sent him a letter with 10 shillings enclosed. They sarcastically wrote: “Please send us your best word.”

They received a response from Kipling with a one word reply: “Thanks!”

During this week of Thanksgiving, our best word is “Thanks!” We are called to cultivate an attitude of gratitude. Thanksgiving includes three movements:

• Recognize the Gifts
• Recognize the Giver
• Give Thanks

May God grant us the grace to make our best word “Thanks!”

In the book, A Third Serving of Chicken Soup, Marie Curly wrote about a young boy named Jamie Scott. Jamie was trying out for the elementary school play, and he was very excited about getting a part. However, his mother feared that he might be disappointed.

After school, he burst through the door and announced with great joy, “Guess what, Mom? I got a part in the play.”

His mother was delighted and asked, “What is your part?”

Her son answered with great pride: “I’ve been chosen to clap and cheer!”

Sadly, our default setting as fallen humans is to boo and jeer rather than to clap and cheer. We identify the worst in others, tearing down rather than building up. We give ourselves the benefit of the doubt while doubting the benefit of others.

In the Acts of the Apostles, the apostles gave devout disciple named Joseph the nickname of “Barnabas.” The title literally means “Son of Encouragement.” Possessing the spiritual gift of edification, he built up other believers in the faith.

All of God’s children are called to be Sons and Daughters of Encouragement. We are called to both recognize and elicit the very best in others.

We have been chosen to clap and cheer.

Breathe!

Breathe in.

Pause.

Breathe out.

Pause.

Breathe in.

Inspiration:     “To be filled with God’s Spirit.”

Pause.

Breathe out.

Expiration:     “To die to self.”

Pause.

Breathe!