Thanks
Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 – NIV
Thanks! Such a small word, yet it so powerful. It fits in so well with the general word category, namely MANNERS – please, thank you, may I, you are appreciated, hold hands when crossing the street. Simple gestures, yet so meaningful when applied sincerely.
Can we set the example by applying some of these into ACTION? Tips for showing “thanks”:
- Do you appreciate your Pastor? Show it by sending a HANDWRITTEN note saying “thanks” for what you do. Try find one specific thing you appreciate. All pastors need and appreciate encouragement.
- Send a gift card to someone you want to show thanks.
- Smile at someone today – perhaps it’s just a stranger.
- Hold the door open for someone – entering or leaving a building.
- Show an act of kindness with NO expectation of reward.
- Share a compliment – nice smile, you look nice today, thanks for all you do, I appreciate . . .
- Handwrite letter or notes to family and friends.
- In this age of distancing due to COVID, people need and appreciate acts of kindness.
- Leave a sticky note on a desk of a co-worker.
- Leave a sticky note of a family member on a mirror just to say you care.
- Think outside the box and come up with your own ways to say “thanks”
What’s the benefit? God’s Word says, “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
See the needs that were fulfilled by those who showed mercy and gratitude toward others? Be a loving neighbor by watching for opportunities to show you care. It WILL make a difference.
– Terry Miller has over 30 years of banking and training experience with major banking institutions.12+ years as owner/principal of Terry Miller & Associates – a training and development firm. He spent 8 years as director of Pastoral Care with Waxahachie Bible Church. Terry is currently semi-retired. Continuing with self-employment directing Terry Miller & Associates, a consulting firm conducting speaking and training engagements, in addition to authoring and publishing 4 books.
