My daughter and I had a conversation about the difference between thankfulness and gratitude.

She summed it up saying, “Thankfulness is thinking about how much you appreciate something. Gratitude is making sure you share those thoughts with others.”

Her insight impressed me. I was also convicted to be more conscious of expressing my gratitude.

I don’t have any problem being thankful. I thank God every day for lots of things. I’m also really big on using my manners, saying thank you to the check-out people and thanking people who hold a door. I even trained my puppy by telling her thank-you for doing her business where she is supposed to. (I’ll have you know, she still expects to hear “thank you” every time she obeys.) Those two words are powerful to her — and to people, too.

But even more powerful are the actions behind the words.

Where my puppy is concerned, gratitude equals a treat, praise, or petting. With people, gratitude equals a hand-written card or other small tokens of appreciation. It’s being on time, keeping your promises, treating borrowed things with respect and returning them, being honest, and being kind.

A famous advertising slogan once said, “Put your money where your mouth is.”

Instead, try “Put your gratitude where your thanks are.”