Expressing Thanks

by Kelly Knowlden

One of the things that we talk about at various points in a student’s career here is how to write a meaningful “thank you” note. It goes like this:

“Begin with thanks for the specific ways that you have been helped. Note how you have benefited from their service. Tell how it is just one example of their giving to you. Include the spiritual benefits of their service and sacrifice. End using their name, and a short statement of appreciation or verse of Scripture that expresses thanks.”

Obviously this is just a template. But our goal is to have students learn both to state thanks in black and white [different from saying it], and also to under- stand that God’s call to us is to be thankful people for the abundant blessings He gives. Both of these are wrapped up in this week’s attempt to notice our teachers. They give sacrificially of themselves. [All of them could be earning much more doing something else!] They spend a lot of time on preparation both during the evenings and then all sum- mer long. They keep perspective on their investment into your children. They attempt to give help to you in noting character issues. They actually enjoy working with your children day after day and do it with reliable patience! They understand the world from a biblical perspective and convey that through the things they are teaching. They monitor children’s progress. They pray for your children. They talk to your children with interest in their lives. They stay in touch with students and families even long after they leave ICS.

And you have been the recipient of those blessings as a family. While we want students to state their appreciation of their teacher’s work, I heartily commend to you as parents that this is a golden opportunity [especially when the teachers are tired and need a final “cheering on” as they run to the finish line] for you also to express your thanks for their work. More than the little gifts that are often given during this week [which are nice!] a note expressing your true thankfulness is like gold to a teacher. I still have a collection of them from my teaching days that remind me that it is not all in vain.

I am thankful for each of them and the work that they do in contributing to the whole education of your children. Their value cannot be measured by dollars and cents.

Hebrews 6:10 says this: “God is not unjust; He will not forget your work and the
love you have shown Him as you have helped His people and continue to help them.” This is what the teachers do every day. Express your thanks this week!