Say #ThankYou in Whatever Circumstance
The season of Christmas is the time of the year when most people give gifts to special people in their lives while we ourselves receive gifts as an expression of love and gratitude from family, friends and loved ones; or sometimes as part of Christmas traditions like exchange gifts, monito-monita or kris kringle. Christmas, being 6 days away from the turn of the year is also a perfect time to sit down, reminisce, evaluate and be thankful for the things that happened during the past year.
It’s perfect, really, and I can’t emphasize enough how perfect it is. Think about this – just before we enter December we have Thanksgiving which starts the celebration altogether. A few days after, Christmas parties begin to fill our calendars. Then, if you’re working, more blessings come as you receive your 13th month pay (14th month for others) and Christmas bonus. Then more gifts, more celebrations during the holidays, more time with family, more memories to be thankful for!
Air Asia Philippines‘ #ThankYou Christmas video captured this spirit when they posted this video as part of their #ThankYou Christmas campaign. Take a moment to watch the video.
Air Asia Philippines’ #ThankYou Christmas video can be both challenging and inspiring at the same time.
Can I Say #ThankYou in the Midst of Difficulties?
It’s challenging if this Christmas season or in the past Christmases, you or your family experienced a tragedy or a loss. I just can’t help but think of many of our “kababayans” who experienced first hand the intensity of Typhoon Nina in their areas. Post-disaster reports say that the damage that Nina brought is close to Php 5 Billion – it’s a big number but what does it mean? It translates to 123,596 houses in Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Bicol and Eastern Visayas being destroyed and that also means that 68,315 families will be staying in 659 evacuation areas entering the new year.
So, being thankful is challenging for these people and as I read about this data, honestly, I could feel a lump in my throat and the challenge to be thankful.
But that is why Air Asia Philippines’ #ThankYou video is appropriate because it serves as a reminder for us to say #ThankYou. I remember the Bible verse in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 which says, “Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
These are reminders for us to have an attitude of gratitude – no matter what. But how can we be thankful at all times, including the times of tragedy or loss?
Tips on How to Say ThankYou in Whatever Circumstance
1. Release your grief.
It won’t help to deny the sorrow and pain. It will help to mourn your loss and cry. Jesus said, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”
2. Receive from others.
Usually, when we go through a tragedy, we clam up and isolate ourselves from others. But, the reality is no one can go through life alone – especially during tragedies. It would help to accept the help and comfort that people you trust extend to you.
3. Refuse to be bitter.
It is normal to feel anger towards people or even God when bad things happen to us. But bitterness hurts you the most. It hurts you more than it hurts the people we are angry at. It isn’t instant but it will help to learn to accept things that can’t be changed and to focus on what you have instead of what you don’t have. Again, this is only possible after taking time to mourn.
4. Remember what’s important.
Sometimes experiencing tragedies simplify things for us. It makes us realize the things that really matter. I remember a quote from the book The Little Prince which says, “What is essential is invisible to the eye.”
Experiencing tragedies remind us of the essentials – relationships. More important than material things, achievements and personal pleasure, we can thank God for people in our lives – even the ones who have already gone – we can be thankful for the years and the special moments we have spent with them.
To easily remember these tips I created an infographic to help share the attitude of gratitude inspired by Air Asia Philippines. Feel free to spread the thankful spirit!
#ThankYou Infographic inspired by Air Asia Philippines
An Inspiration to be Thankful
As I mentioned, Air Asia Philippines’ #ThankYou video is also inspiring. Personally, it reminded me to be thankful for the little things that people do as well. It includes the gifts during Christmas but also kind gestures that people extend to us like the ones shown in the video. I especially liked the message so let me share it below.
This holiday season, let’s fill the air with gratitude.
Let’s open ourselves to pleasant encounters, to thoughtful deeds.
Be grateful wherever and to whoever.
To give from the heart and appreciate.
Isn’t it beautiful that no matter where you go kindness is in the air.Experience genuine care, appreciation and gratitude through the world-class service of the World’s Best Low-Cost Airline, Air Asia.
#ThankYou, Jennie, my ‘ezer’
As I think about being grateful, I can think of no other person to be thankful for but my wife whom I have been married to for 15 years. We celebrated our 15th anniversary last December 8, 2016, an added reason to celebrate this Christmas season and we had the opportunity to renew our vows. You can watch our Renewal of Vows same-day-edit video below.
JEFF-JEN ASPACIO SDE 120816 from Kinetix Productions on Vimeo.
To you, Jennie, I thank you for believing in me. Thank you, that throughout our 15 years of being together, you’ve sacrificed so many things like your own corporate career to become a full-time wife, mother and home maker and yet stay gorgeous and beautiful inside and out.
Our son wouldn’t be who he is right now without your sacrifice to homeschool him. I cherish the classes you have with him like this video clip below when he was still a wee 4 year old (2009). It captures one of those precious moments of your teaching times with him. How time flies! He now towers over you at 11 years old, but adores you no less. You are so loved by your boys who you poured out your life to.
Do you remember our trip to Kuala Lumpur? It was our first international trip together. I see a lot of parallelisms in this trip to our marriage journey.
I appreciate the things you experiment with in the kitchen. You are a champion cook and baker. Most amazing of all, you do this tirelessly, letting us experience new, beautiful things. I especially like your alternative to “Pako” salad, the all-organic “Pechay” salad.
And the home-baked energy bars that I like so much. It tastes way much better than the ready-made energy bars available in the supermarket.
Not to mention your Choco Oat Cookies that are to die for!
You let me and our son experience such unique things and I want to make sure to appreciate your efforts. #ThankYou, Jennie. Champion ka talaga! It’s like the unique and memorable things we experienced in KL,6 years ago.
The majestic Petronas Twin Towers!
GuanDi Temple located at Jalan Tun H S Lee, City Centre, Kuala Lumpur
Sri Mahamariamman Temple located at Jalan Tun H S Lee, City Centre, Kuala Lumpur
And just as Air Asia was there in our KL journey from beginning to end…
Today, I wear my heart on my sleeve and proudly say my thanks to you in front of the whole world. I recorded myself to create this video collaboration of the song Angel and dedicate it to you as my way of expressing how thankful I am to you and for you. I love you and I sincerely thank God for you!
These are some very helpful tips! It can be so hard in times of grief but it is in how we handle these circumstances that stands as a testament to our faith and becomes a light to others. That doesn’t mean we can’t hurt but we place our grief in His hands and move forward in faith.
Totally agree with you, Brittany! Being grateful does not mean we are denying our pain. It did say in the verse, “give thanks IN all circumstance” and not “give thanks FOR all circumstance.” As we place our pain at the foot of the cross, we are giving Him full control of our circumstance. It’s always great to find someone we share the same faith with. Have a blessed year, Brittany! 🙂
Some great ideas & especially important for the holidays which can be more stressful with lots of extra activities & entertaining.
This is a very inspirational post. It is so important to be thankful for all that we are blessed with not only at this time of the year but always.
That’s true, Dawn. We tend to start right every new year, then get derailed somewhere in the middle of the road. A great reminder for all of us to remain intentional in our gratitude attitude – always. Thank you, Dawn. 🙂
This time of year can definitely bring about feelings that you don’t want to be feeling. These are great tips.
#Thankyou, Robin! 🙂
sweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeettttttttttttttttttttt….. more years of happiness for the both of you!!! 🙂
Thank you, Tata, for the well wishes! 🙂
What a very uplifting post! Really brings back the spirit of Christmas and of love. Congratulations on your 15th year together, Jeff and Jen!
Thank you, Faith! Happy new year! 🙂
What a great read to close 2016 and begin 2017! Great message from AirAsia and great interpretation by you! Thank you for this reminder! And I also love that you quoted one of my favorite books, ever! I wish nothing but more blessings for you and your lovely family in the years to come 🙂
Thank you, Jaja! Blessings to you and your family! Happy new year! 🙂
Indeed, there are many things in life that we should be thankful for but oftentimes disregard. I like your fourth tip, Jeff. Blessings don’t always come in sparkly and attractive packaging. We may experience loss or tragedy at some point in our lives, but God always has a reason for everything. How these unpleasant events impact us and turn us into better persons is already something that we should be thankful for.
Thank you, Adrian, for the affirmation, and for the pasalubong I’m sure Jed is already devouring on! 🙂 Blessings to you and your family! 🙂
Thank you for this post, Jeff. You had a perfect family as I may say and that really should be thankful for. Even the disappointments and the hardest part of our life should also be thanked for because it is what we are made of, that makes us a tough and a stronger being that can surpass all the hardships in life.
Thank you, Sarah! I wish I can say it’s a perfect family. We really are not. I’ve had my own share of regrets. It’s only through God’s grace that do overs are made possible. Through the years we have become intentional in extending grace to each other. 🙂
It’s true, difficulties refine us. Have a lovely year ahead, Sarah! 🙂
I am fond of reading such articles. Personally i feel that we should always be thankful to what we have. Blessings and Love 🙂
Thank you, Shirley, for the affirmation. 🙂
Kilig na naman ako sa inyong dalawa! Aww, Jennie! You really are so loved because you also give so much love not only to your boys but to others. Jeff, 2nd time mo na ako pinaiyak, hahaha! You two really are an inspiration and I also thank you both for being a part of my life.
Salamat, Mauie! Jen is blessed to have been given such sweet friends like The Grasyas. Your “labor of love” on our beautiful photobooth will never be forgotten. Salamat sa inyo ni Pareng Alex! God bless your family more this 2017! 🙂
Thanks for the great tips. Not enough people say thank you anymore. And it is important for us to teach our kids.
I agree, Jocelyn. Thank you for swinging by. 🙂
Thanks for posting this. every human being should read this. Even myself I forgot to say thank you for being alive. lol. i realized how blessed i am! thank you!
Thank you, Faith, for your affirming words! 🙂
Congratulations for the 15 years of pure bliss. Love the video of your vow renewal, very inspiring. I also love the music to it!
Thank you, Rose! I hope I can say it was pure bliss. It wasn’t. Only by God’s grace we’re able to stand through trials and adversities. But as when we recently said, “We Still Do,” and affirmed our commitment, we will continue to choose to be united thru bliss or otherwise. 🙂
It’s our newest favorite song, powerful words and awesome music. 🙂
What great reminders. I am having a difficult time with some family members lately so I’ll try to practice these thank yous on them. It’s hard though.
I’m sorry about your recent challenge with family members. May you be given the grace to extend to them even in this season. Happy new year, Debbie! 🙂
A simple thank you really goes a long way. It feels someone appreciated. These are great tips.
I try to express my gratitude and appreciation for the people in my life beyond the holiday season. Saying thank you can go along way to make people feel heard and acknowledged.
Thanks, Cindy! I’m sure you will continue to be an encouragement to the people around you as you constantly choose to be grateful. 🙂
Sometimes it’s hard say thanks in difficult situations in life but its important. This was a great read.
Thank you for the affirmation, Anosa! 🙂
Such great reminders to be thankful in life!!! So important to remember this year round too.
Thanks, Vera! It really is. Air Asia’s campaign cannot be more apt to remind us to choose to be grateful throughout the whole year. 🙂
That’s such a lovely thing to do! There’s nothing better than to think about all the things that we’re grateful for. I think it’s important to always say thank you, especially since there’s always a blessing even if you go through something that’s not so good.
Thanks, Karlyn! 🙂
It’s lovely to be able to say thanks to the people that has done a lot in your life. I think this is a nice initiative from Air Asia as well.
#ThankYou, Carol! 🙂
What a sweet post, I hope you had another year full of happiness, Sometimes it so hard to say thank you especially when you are in the hardest part.
#ThankYou, Aziel, for the affirming words. It really is difficult to be grateful sometimes when things go wrong but to be thankful in spite of, is something we can begin to discipline our hearts to choose. 🙂
Awww..It’s so sweet!!!…Indeed your lives are inspiration to us! I watched every videos here in your post napaka-talented nyo po talaga! 🙂 Jed and ate Jen were awesome too! Missin’ the Aspacio family here at Malaysia hehe. Thanking God for you all..See you soon!
Thank you, Van! You were one of the few people who we shared this dream of renewing our vows. Was that 2 years back? #ThankYou for sharing that special day with us. See you soonest! Have a blessed new year to you and your family! 🙂
Life is short, tough and struggle is real but above all love never fails to those who hope in the Lord. And because of that we are forever grateful!! Your love story inspires so many lives and we begun to be thankful for everything.. Godbless you Aspacio Family:-)
#ThankYou, bro. Your affirming words are such encouragement, as always. God bless #TeamAdlawan! 🙂
A great post, I have to admit I find new year to be depressing but am not really sure why. This year I had a bad Christmas which just made it all the more harder but now that it is all over I am trying to remember these things and get back to normal
I’m sorry about your not very pleasant Christmas. May the Lord’s grace shower over you as you welcome 2017! #ThankYou for dropping by. 🙂
What a wonderful idea to create a song as a thank you. Being thankful is so important in life. No matter what hardship you are going through always try to find things to be thankful for.
#ThankYou Marielle! No matter how dark the season of life is, there’s always a beam light, as faint as it may be, somewhere. 🙂
I really am trying this year to remind myself to be thankful for the things I do have rather than concentrating on the things I don’t have so this a great reminder
It can be hard to be grateful 100% of the time, but I do think there is something helpful in counting your blessings even when things seem to be falling apart.
Yes, it might entail a lot of hard work at some point, but it does pay to always keep a thankful heart no matter what our circumstances in life are. It was so easy to see that you love your wife so dearly. I wish you both more years of togetherness and wedded bliss.