Yesterday I preached a message about having an attitude of gratefulness. It seems to me as I look at those around me that the lack of gratefulness is the source of many of the problems facing people. They are so focused on what they are missing that they forget what they have. I was reflecting on this topic today as I was at the dentist (I know, fun right!) and I couldn’t help but be amazed by the mushroom effect of a lack of gratefulness. Yesterday I focused on how we need to be thankful in everything but today I was picturing a life without thanks, it just made me want to shudder.
Picture it, no thankfulness at all. People constantly expecting more, no consideration for what they already have. I know what you are probably thinking, that IS our world today! Actually it isn’t. I am thinking of absolutely everyone being that way. No counterbalance at all. The concept itself frankly, scares me.
I am so grateful that our world is different. That we don’t live in a world without thanks. I know that right now I am faced with a dilemma in my church where my wife and I are feeling very under-appreciated, even to the point of being taken advantage of, and then out of the blue today I received an email from someone saying just how much they were thankful for all my wife and I are doing. We don’t have a pastor right now and we are simply “filling in” and helping the church cross over from one shepherd to the next. It is a very stressful time for the congregation, but doubly so for our family. While they are all concerned about what is happening next and why things don’t happen instantaneously, we are here ministering to each and everyone in their own personal space, helping them each through the transition.
Frankly, we are making mistakes along the way, but our motives in everything we do are pure. While some expect perfection, there have been those, who have come along at critical junctures and have encouraged us on. Not by trying to “pump us up” like a football coach, but by expressing thanks.
It is amazing how a simple word of thanks can be such an encouragement! Each of us can express thanks to another person at anytime, but how often do we actually do that? From my experience, hardly ever. Yet that one word, “Thanks”, can bring a smile to a persons face when they need it most.
So, to piggy back on my message from yesterday . . . .
When I am frustrated that the checkout line is long at the grocery store, I will say thanks to the cashier for putting the hours so I can buy the food to make sure my family is fed.
When I am standing in long lines at the airport, I will say thank you to the TSA officers who are working hard to keep us all safe.
When I am at my wits end with my children, I will say thank you to my wife for putting her career aside to devote herself to raising our children and being with them even when it is frustrating.
Everyone needs encouragement, and a simple thank you is all they typically need to brighten their day.
An Ordinary Methodist 