It doesn’t takle a lot of energy. It will be remembered. How about a “Thank You”? It happens far too little in churches and of course in everyday life as well. Someone will quibble about the way someone is doing their work (the work by the way that they volunteered to do). Maybe they are preparing the church wide meal on Wednesday night (and we are upset because they are out of desert!). Maybe drinks aren’t cold enough at the concession stand at Friday night’s football game (the concession stand that is being run by volunteers who have already worked all day in their “day” jobs). What if they do get paid to do their job? Does that mean that they are exempt from needing to hear a word of gratitude?
When we realize that every good thing that we experience is an act of grace we will be more grateful. God is the source of all good things. When we experience these good things through other people, we ought to be grateful. Far too often, we look at their efforts and in many different ways communicate that they just don’t measure up.
Is there someone in your life who really should hear a thank you? Your child’s coach. Your child’s teacher. Your co-worker. Your boss. Your employee. Your very good friend. Your waitress. The helpful person in the grocery store. The custodian. etc. The following recently appeared on Tom Peter’s blog:
#3: THE RAREST OF GIFTS …
The rarest of gifts: THANK YOU!
Alas, it (a nod of appreciation, a hastily penned, 2-line T-note) it is so rare. (And thence … ever so powerful!)
Among TP’s favorite quotes: “The two most powerful things in existence: a kind word and a thoughtful gesture.”—Ken Langone, VC and Home Depot founder. “The deepest human need is the need to be appreciated.”—psychologist William James. “We look for listening, caring, smiling, saying ‘Thank you,’ being warm.”—Colleen Barrett, president, Southwest Airlines, on hiring criteria.
Think: THANK YOU POWER! (And “power” it is!)
Hints: (1) Make it “permanent”—send a note. (2) HANDWRITTEN notes beat emails!!!!!!! (3) This applies equally at age 18 in a “powerless” job, as well as at age 48 as Honcho. (4) Do this especially when you “don’t have time”—at the end of a stressful day. (5) Make it a “formal” habit—do it at the end of the day, say, every 2 or 3 days. (6) If you can’t think of anything or anyone to say “Thank you” to—I suggest you go see a shrink.
(Remember: “Performance” stems from Engagement … Encouragement … Passion … Appreciation … Public recognition … Respect. “Thanking” is a big part of that.)
Uh, Thank You for taking the time to read this!
Thank you