The Power of Thanks

Imagine you just ran out of gas on the highway, and a stranger appears with a tank full of gas. Or a neighbor comes to your door with a basket of warm cookies because they know you’re having a tough week. What if you narrowly escape your burning home while a firefighter goes back in to save your crying puppy.  Maybe there’s someone picking up all the spilled candy that your little darling just scattered on the supermarket floor. What do you say?

Sometimes we wish we had a word much stronger than “thanks” to convey our heartfelt appreciation. Think back to a time when you really felt thanked for something you said or did. Why do you still remember that feeling?

In all cases, we’re trying to communicate deep appreciation.  What we sometimes forget when our mouths quietly say “thanks” is to look the person in the eye and spend an extra moment to acknowledge their positive presence in our day.

While we celebrate one special day of giving thanks this month, we can enjoy the power of thanking someone every day.  May gratitude always be on your lips and in your heart!