The Gift of Thank You

Question: When is the last time you paused long enough to tell someone, “thank you”? I don’t mean in passing as a pleasantry. But, really stopped what you’re doing and thought about the people in your life who truly support, help, pray for, listen to, engage, show-up and love you? The people who love you with no hopes of getting anything in return? Have you made an effort to tell them thanks?
 I had the great fortune at one time to be be apart of Organizational Development which opened my eyes and my heart of the power of THANK YOU. Human beings simply want to feel accepted, have a sense of belonging and know that they are needed. Everyone doesn’t necessarily desire formal recognition or “need” to have a public pat on the back, but they do want to know that what they are doing matters in the bigger picture.

Simply telling someone “thank you” is a powerful gift that forges relationships together so when you have to do hard things, the foundation is firm with trust and respect serving as the pillars of strength. Thank you is a necessary component to moving missions and visions forward. Thank you is a bridge builder. Thank you is a heart connector. Thank you is not something we should just say to say it. We should really strive to let others know how much their efforts, friendship, collaborations and prayers mean to us. Saying thank you is a priceless gift with endless effects.

 Challenge: Make an effort to personally tell someone THANK YOU today from your heart. We live in a fast world, but can you stop for a few moments and get someone in your mind that has given of themselves to you in some capacity? How can you tell them THANK YOU in a meaningful way? What small gesture can you offer them (this does not mean spend tons of money) to let them know how appreciative you are? Being intetional about saying thank you will bless them and in turn, bless you.
 Photo Credit: Stephen Nelson, Photography by Staci