With so much having changed within this last year, it is easy to get discouraged or even worse, become unthankful.
Something happened a few years ago that helped me get a better handle on being thankful and expressing it.
We are often forgetful about those who have blessed us along the way. A while back, I went through part of my journal and “rediscovered” some who had been a blessing to me and/or my family. It brought joy to my heart.
There was one young man – I will call him Jack – whom we poured ourselves into in early years as a youth pastor. Sadly, he made a few mistakes, although he really was a good young man. I remember strongly challenging him to make some better decisions spiritually, but you could feel the resistance in him. He graduated and later got married. I performed the wedding ceremony. Sadly, the marriage didn’t last. This all took place in the 1980’s.
About 8-9 years ago, I got a call out of the blue. It was from Jack. He asked if I remembered him. I almost laughed out loud. How could I forget! His reason for calling me was to thank me; to thank me for my investment in his life – even when he hadn’t wanted it at the time. He was doing fantastic. He had gotten remarried and was active in his church. I was elated. I was blessed by his words.
This encounter got me thinking. “Who has made impacts in my life and I haven’t let them know?” To be honest, one of the first persons I thought of was Jack’s dad. Although he wasn’t directly involved in my life but for a short time, he made a very positive impact on me. To this day, I still think of him.
I decided to track him down. We both had moved out of the area. I called him one day and told him how he had been an influence in my life. It brought tears to his eyes. (I later videoed him for a sermon I was doing. He shared about this phone call, how it affected him, and he encouraged others to do the same.)
Life goes by way too fast. Our intentions are good but we often forget to thank those who have blessed us on our journey. May I encourage you not only to be thankful but to express your thankfulness. Would you take time SOON to think of a couple people who have greatly impacted you? Next, make sure you contact them and express how thankful you are for them and how they have made a difference in your life? You both will be glad you did. I would love to hear some of your stories of what happened.
Blessings to you!
Pastor David
