James is a great guy I met back in the mid 90's in Fort Worth, Texas. We took some seminary classes together. I always enjoyed being around him. Now he lives in Hawaii.
One day, James went to get in his car. While approaching it, he noticed something was on his windshield. Immediately, he wondered if someone in his family had played a trick on him.
As he got a little closer, James realized it was a bunch of stickey notes. Each one was a short message of appreciation for the difference he made in someone's life. It turns out, a group of people got together and did this to show some him some gratitude. And it really moved him in a good way.
This story about James has me thinking, Each of us knows at least one person who has made our lives a little better. Maybe it's a parent, spouse, neighbor, classmate, friend, co-worker, or fellow church member. From time to time, it would be a blessing to that someone if we showed him or her some appreciation.
When we thank people for the difference they make, they receive a good feeling of encouragement. This is because they are made aware of the positive impact they are making. And it lets them know that their efforts are worth while. Furthermore, it protects them from feeling unimportant and irrelevant.
Appreciation. It really is a powerful gesture. It meant a whole lot to James. And it'll mean the world to others when we show them some as well.
Let's all tell someone "Thanks" today.
"I have not stopped giving thanks for you"
Ephesians 1:16
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