239 – Thanks For Everything You Do and Are

#faithbites #faithjourney Thanks

Thank You For Everything You Do. This was a common phrase used by a former supervisor of mine. This person used it so much that it lost its meaning. When I think of it now, I know how important it truly is. We don’t offer our appreciation enough. There are many times when a simple thanks can change someone’s day.

At work, I am working harder than I have before, doing more things that I thought I would. Our students came back today and were truly appreciative of my work. One said that they bug me because I am responsive and help them all the time. Then a coworker told me how appreciative he was and he doesn’t show that side very often. When I got home after a long day, my family was thankful for bringing dinner home.

These simple acts of appreciation and thanks can radically alter someone’s day.

Scripture on Thanks and Appreciation

• “May the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge, reward you fully for what you have done.” – Ruth 2:12
• “May the Lord now show you kindness and faithfulness, and I too will show you the same favor because you have done this.” – 2 Samuel 2:6
• To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be his holy people: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ. First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world. – Romans 1:7-8

Reflection

I don’t know if you noticed, but in all of those scriptures (and there are many more), the Lord is thanked and then the people are thanked. The people are thanked for what they do, the Lord is thanked for bringing those people in those situations. I’m not talking about tooting someone’s horn just to do it or as they said in grade school, be a brown-noser. But showing honest appreciation especially when there is nothing in it for you. That is what we are called to do.

I am thankful for so many people in my life, from my wife to my kids to my friends and family to my church to my work and beyond. I am enriched because the Lord has put you all in my life. For that I am thankful. What and who are you thankful for?

Charge

Giving thanks is an amazing feeling. Getting thanks is amazing as well. Challenge yourself tomorrow, to thank a person for something they have done. Maybe they do it every day and you just expect it. Give them thanks and you will be amazed by what it does. And don’t forget to thank the Lord for what he has given you.