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A “Thank You” Challenge
Posted By Katrina
Silent gratitude isn’t much use to anyone.
- G.B. Stern
This past weekend, I thought I’d do a little experiment. I started writing down the names of all the people who have been a blessing, encouragement, or help to me lately. Whether they did something as simple as holding a door for me while I lugged a heavy car seat, or asked what they could do to help me survive my 5-month-old’s first stomach bug, I wrote down their names. I started with my husband, who has done about a million little things for me lately, my son who wrote me an “I love you” note that made my day, and my mom, who cooked a delicious Thanksgiving dinner for the family. Then I moved on to the kind store clerk, the friend who hugged me right when I needed it, and the author who had written something years ago that ministered to me this month. As I’m sure you can guess, it wasn’t long before the list grew out of control.
I really shouldn’t have been surprised, because when we get right down to it, the biggest blessings in our lives aren’t things, they’re people. People who touch our lives, enrich our days, and help carry our loads. And as Paul said in Philippians, I truly do thank my God for each one of these people.
I thank my God every time I remember you.
- Philippians 1:3
But then I thought — sure, I’ve said “thank you” to those who’ve blessed me, and yes, I’ve thanked God for them. But why not go the extra mile? Why not take a minute to send an extra-special “thank you” to brighten someone’s day? How? Here are a few ways that came to mind:
- Send a funny card from the store that says “Thanks a bunch.”
- Write a heartfelt note on your best stationery.
- Return a favor: If someone made you a meal or dropped off a plate of cookies, respond in kind with a yummy treat.
- Offer a little act of service: Remember that friend who let you cry on her shoulder last week? Offer to watch her kids for a few hours.
- Give someone a great big hug to say “thanks.”
- Pick up a special treat for someone — a book, some bubble bath, a great-smelling candle — and leave it at their front door along with a note letting them know how much they’re appreciated.
These suggestions are just a start. The ways in which we can thank those who’ve blessed us are endless.
So today, I challenge myself and I challenge you: pick someone who has supported you or come to your rescue or who has just been a terrific friend, and tell them “Thank You” in a tangible way this week.
For discussion: Who has been a blessing to you lately? How will you tell them “Thank You”?
Nov 29th, 2006
I was thinking about something similar to this recently. More about the store owners, doctors, and people I count on to “do a job” for me. There are some that just do it, and there are those who go the extra mile and are friendly and helpful. It used to be a regular thing that we would leave little Christmas gifts for the mail man and milk man, but that tradition went out the window somewhere. I think I am going to take some time to thank those people as well as the loved ones around me.
This is a great reminder. I used to be great at sending little notes, but I have gotten busy lately, and dropped the ball.
I will say that the other day at the Wal-Mart lay away, the ladies were frazzled and tired. So I asked them, “would you ladies like me to get you a drink or something?” They were shocked! They said they could not have them behind the counter, because of policy. But I made such an impression that these total strangers remembered me when I returned weeks later. It is amazing how even a gesture can impact people. When we are blessed, we should defintiely take the time to return the favor. If we can, to the person who extended a hand to us, if not to the store clerk who is a stranger, because strangers have been known to bless us.
“Beware to entertain strangers, for many have done so and entertained angels unaware” Hebrews 13:2
Thanks for sharing this - it’s a great reminder!
What a nice idea, Katrina. Just like you to remind us how we can thank someone who encourages or supports us and expects nothing in return. I plan to put this into practice immediately.
Great reminder, Katrina! Practical thank you’s are so nice to get and giving them can only lift up the giver also!
What a great post. These are very helpful tips. I do sometimes think about the kindness of strangers, but I like the idea of writing it down as well.
What a wonderful reminder for us to stop and change our focus.
With a busy and hectic lives it seems so easy to focus on what is going wrong.
Your reminder made me think of the song “ Counting My Blessings” that is in the movie “White Christmas”.
I am just now reading this and LOVING it. I feel like I use to take the time to sit down and write people to thank them. Now…with children, errands, and so much more taking time, it seems that “fine art” has disappeared. I have made an effort to begin to do this more. I think one of the finest life skills we can learn is how to thank other people…thank them for the sometimes not so noticeable things, but the things that make our day better: holding the door, letting you pull ahead of them in traffic, smiling at you. These things give a tiny boost to our day.