Gratitude - 2 of 2
Last week we focused on living a life of gratitude for what God has done for us. This week I want to focus on the importance of showing gratitude to others.
Ask yourself this question - Is showing gratitude towards others:
A. Something that comes naturally and you do it freely and often?
B. Something you do at times and you see the fruit of it but you really have to be intentional to make it happen?
C. Something that you give little thought to even though you may do it every now and then?
I’m sure that none of us would like to think of ourselves as an ungrateful person - but, being a grateful person requires that we willingly and regularly show gratitude to others.
This isn’t something that just comes naturally to me and I am still striving to get better at it. Fortunately, I have been blessed to have a great role model over the years from someone who does this so well - Julie. As you know, she is very gifted in the area of gratitude and encouragement. We have all been blessed to be on the receiving end of it from her. Being able to observe her do this so well has made a great impact in my life and inspires me to want to do the same for others.
Can you think of a time that someone showed you sincere gratitude for something that you have done for them? If you are like me, it is always a powerful experience to receive true gratitude from someone, even though we aren’t seeking it out.
Actively showing gratitude to others accomplishes many important things:
It greatly blesses the recipient
It is contagious. While we don’t do it for that reason, it is something that is noticed by others and passed on.
It helps us not to live self-absorbed lives but instead keeps us thinking about others and aware of their need for affirmation and encouragement
It reflects a heart of gratitude for our relationship with God
The truth is that there is no such thing as “a self-made man/woman.” There are many people that help us along the way. Who are some people in your life that you owe a debt of gratitude? Speak to them, write them a note or do something for them. it doesn’t always have to be something spectacular - just sincere. it will be real blessing to them and to you.
If it’s not already, let’s make gratitude a part of our daily lives.
Stay hungry,
Big E