The other day I was thinking how awesome it would be if we showed people more gratitude. I am not talking about the superficial thank-you we dish out as a means to acknowledge participation in a mutual conversation. I am talking about acts of kindness that would replace the quick two words we throw around to get on with our day.
Of Course, I am not saying we should drop everything so that we can daily show appreciation to the ticket agent on the train or the security guard at the mall, otherwise we would never get anything done. However, there is nothing wrong with going back the next day to give them both a coffee.
Doing something like that will cause them to remember us, and who knows, maybe one day we will become a story to their friends and family.
Without spending any more time on introductions, let us have a look at three things we can do to show others gratitude.
1. Drop a Note
Every so often, Luana will drop me a note to tell me that she loves and appreciates me.
I am not recommending that you should give a stranger a note to tell them you love them. That would be awkward. What you can do, though, is compose a quick handwritten message to let them know how much you value them.
Sincere words have a way of making people feel good about what they are doing, especially if those people are working in jobs where gratitude comes less often than expected.
Even if not a stranger, words of thanks in the form of note will make any friend or family member feel appreciated.
So go out there and drop those notes of kindness. You will never know what effect it will have on others.
2. Give a Gift
No matter how small or how large the sentiment, everyone loves receiving a gift.
A token of appreciation goes a long way. It does not have to be pricey, weighty, or extravagant. As long as the gift comes from the heart, it will be special.
I once gave two bottles of wine—red and white—to a friend of mine to thank him for all the support he had given me throughout one year when things were not going so well with me. It took him aback. Since then, I can always count on him for an open and honest opinion.
Now before going on, I want to make one point clear: Giving a gift is not bribery. It is a heartfelt gesture to express our gratitude for a relationship. There is nothing wrong with giving and not expecting anything in return.
Otherwise, that would be bribery.
Therefore, have fun with this. Give a gift of gratitude that will mean everything to the recipient.
3. Perform a Random Act of Kindness
Sometimes a note or a gift just will not do it. Sometimes the situation calls for something more—something beyond the regular conventions of selflessness.
A random act of kindness dictates that there is no reciprocation involved. The entire act is a one-way street, outflowing and selfless.
The gesture could be as simple as helping our neighbor with the groceries, or giving our time at the local food bank, or even more so, providing financial aid to those in need.
It is up to us what that random act of kindness will be.
We can accomplish incredible things in another person’s life by simply giving without strings attached. Our actions can change someone’s life, especially when we are showing gratitude for the blessings God has given us.
For this reason, let us take this opportunity to show our appreciation to those who make our lives better.
Looking to God 