The Gift of Thanks

This afternoon we said good-bye to our out-of-town friends. We gave hugs, said we'd miss our guests and see them soon, and waved good-bye out the window. When I went upstairs to collect the bedding to be washed, I noticed a card sitting atop the pile of linens. It was a thank-you note from the girls who had stayed here, as well as a gift card for our hospitality. It was SO unexpected, it just made my day. Similarly, last week we received a thank-you card and gift from our friends whose daughters we watched while they were having their third child. I did both of these things because I love hosting people in our home and enjoy helping out whenever I am able. I in no way expected or even thought about being compensated or thanked formally for my actions. To feel appreciated is such a gift in itself. I knew that these girls appreciated getting to stay here, but to have them show their appreciation made me feel very special. They really blessed me with their gift of thanks.