What Language Do You Speak?

Writing you a Thank You!

Have you ever given a gift to someone and never heard a “Thank you” or heard back from them? It is sad when that happens. Perhaps the person was so overwhelmed with her/his busy days, she/he meant to offer thanks but never got around to it. And then it was forgotten.

We can probably understand and even relate to this cause because we ourselves may have fallen into this kind of scenario. When it occurs over and over with the same person, however, it can easily be attributed to bad manners. Or manners that were never taught as a child.

The Finer Points in Life

“A lady worked as a janitor in a company for many years. Now being a janitor is a pretty thankless job, which many of us might consider as a "dirty" job or at least pretty far down the totem pole. In other words, probably not a whole lot of fun.

“It happened the company changed owners. Within a few days, the new owner wrote a personal thank you card to every employee in the company. He had his assistant go around and hand them out.

“When this lady received and opened her card, she burst into tears. She asked if she could be excused from work. Thinking she was sick, she was allowed to leave for the rest of the day.

“They found out a few days later she had never received even a verbal thank you from the previous owners and management, much less a personal card. And she had worked there for 20 or 30 years! 

"So she was pretty touched when the new owner sent her a card of appreciation. She had been thinking the change of ownership was probably a good time to quit. She was planning to let them know that very day. 

"Which she didn't. Because the little time, the little effort of the owner to send a little business thank you card, helped the lady change her mind." 

(thank-your-stars.com)

We ARE the Difference!
As we can see by the story above, even the smallest act of thankfulness makes a huge difference in a person’s life. And for the most part, it does not cost anything to give it to someone. It only takes a little effort on our part! How do we know what kind of day the person is having? We don’t. So just maybe a word or card of thankfulness is all she needs to make the day bearable.  

In 1992, the book, “The 5 Love Languages” by Gary Chapman was a big hit and still is. One of the “languages” he wrote about, affirmation is simply an expression we can offer to another person showing how much we appreciate them. And it can really make a difference.

Right now, during this health pandemic, there are so many first responders, nurses, doctors, food/grocery handlers, EMTs, ambulance drivers, transportation drivers, etc., etc. that could use our word of appreciation. We can all be aware of what an effort they are putting forth to help us--they deserve a huge “thank you!” Do not just ignore their dedication. Get creative and find a way to affirm them.

Each Moment of Our Lives

Our heavenly Father (God) has given us individually and collectively so many great gifts we cannot even count them all. He loves us, provides for us, watches over us, and protects us without us even knowing at times. He is there with us through each moment of our lives—good or bad. How have we thanked Him? How often? Even more than anyone else, He deserves our gratitude.

It is not difficult to talk to God. There is no need for complicated or memorized prayers. We just open our mouths and start talking as if we are talking to our best friend. He IS our Best Friend! He already knows us intimately because He created us in our mother’s womb. Just try it soon. He is waiting for that “Thank you!”

“Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:18 NLT).