PLYMOUTH – It is rare to hear this exchange. One person says, “Thank you.” The other replies, “You are welcome.”
Too often in our busy world and rushed pace, no appreciation is expressed. Occasionally, someone says, “Thank you,” and the other replies, “Thank you.” Which seems confusing.
I love the intonation of these five gentle words of respect: “Thank you,” followed by “You are welcome.”
So, as the approaching Thanksgiving preheats the oven of my mind and heart, bringing up the aromas of memories of special people in my life, I will publicly say, “Thank you” to three people I value.
Endurance
A former drug addict and hard nosed Michigander turned over his life to the hands of Jesus Christ years ago. I was fortunate to work alongside him in a local church ministry. He always took what many of us thought was the most difficult ministry of the church. He consistently took time out of his week to preach and lead Bible studies at a long-term prison and the local county jail. After each inmate was released, my friend in the ministry was the first one to offer to meet with the newly freed man to coach him through his reentry into normal life – but this time with Jesus. Thank you, Dale, for being an example of faithful endurance to men whose chaotic lives scared most of us. Your title of chaplain does not completely express the burden and responsibility you took on yourself to help so many men and their families throughout the years. Only the Lord knows the full impact of your influence.
Service
A former truck driver with a lot of smarts and an intimidating strength got to know me in the place where I served my last pastorate. He is one of those men who seems to know something about everything in life. His knowledge is as big as a Michigan forest. He has aged like me, and for both of us, our strength is not what it once was in the past. Yet during these recent years, I saw this man plant his life at Bambi Lake as a resident handyman and guide, helping to build something new or refurbish something worn. His ingenuity and drive overcame just about any challenge he faced. Thank you, Tim, for being an example of service to so many different people under so many different circumstances. Enjoy your racing days until you are 100 years old.
Encouragement
This woman has spent her life helping others become successful. She managed many a professional office. She is shy about rewards and recognition. She would rather spend her breath and energy on seeing others succeed at their dreams than rally even one person to serve her. We returned from overseas as international missionaries so I could become a pastor at a local church. She and her husband, who served in Iraq, generously offered a portion of their house to my wife and me until we bought and moved into our own house. There was never any mention of a deadline, nor did I ever see a moment of impatience on either of their faces. Thank you, Sue and Les, for sharing your home, life, and love with Jamie and me. You are such incredible examples of encouragement. Your hospitality and kindness to us and many others is a gift to the entire church and community. You two inspire us.
Saying "thank you"
I encourage you to say thank you often to others during the month of November. Try to say thank you more times than the number of leaves that pile up on the lawn. Say “thank you” to strangers who hold the door for you at the store. Express gratitude to the children who do their chores. Say “thank you” to the closest and farthest ones in your lives. Let each November day be filled with gratitude.
Inspirational quotes for your table settings
“God has promised to supply all our needs. What we don’t have now, we don’t need now.”
– Elizabeth Elliot
“It is not how much we have, but how much we enjoy that makes happiness.”
– Charles Spurgeon
“Gratitude is an offering precious in the sight of God, and it is one that the poorest of us can make and be not poorer but richer for having made it.”
– A.W. Tozer
“I have held many things in my hands, and I have lost them all, but whatever I have placed in God’s hands, I still possess.”
– Corrie ten Boom
“It’s one thing to be grateful. It’s another to give thanks. Gratitude is what you feel. Thanksgiving is what you do.”
– Tim Keller
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dr. Tony L. Lynn is the Send Network Director for Michigan and the Language/Ethnic Church Planting Catalyst. Before coming on staff at the BSCM, Tony served as a lead pastor in Michigan churches and as an international missionary, along with his wife Jamie, in the Niger Republic, France, and Canada.