Thank You

Thank You

1 Corinthians 1:4, says “I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ”. We clearly see gratitude for the grace believers received through Jesus Christ capsulated in this first thought. God is appreciated for his generosity.

Philippians 1:3, says, “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you”. There are expressions of joy and thankfulness to God for believers whenever they are regarded or thought about; their actions provoke others to give God thanks and appreciation.

Like yourself, I have multiplied reasons and motivations to thank God for the wonderful gifts of precious individuals he has enriched my life with. In a summary kind of way, I want to not only thank God for them but also appreciate them and their obedience to Christ Jesus.

So, I simply wish to say, “Thank you.”

Thank you for your hard work, keenness, devotion, enthusiasm, and perseverance! The grit and discipline you exemplified, motivated and encouraged the rest of us on more than a few occasions. I know it is a bit clichéd, but your exertions have not gone unnoticed or unappreciated. Others deeply appreciate you as well. It is remarkable that you could ever be taken for granted at times, but it does happen…even when you are operating in your ‘extraordinary zone.’ Not to our credit, but your extraordinary has become what we simply expect of you. It is just you and how you roll. But I intentionally want to be careful to say, thank you for doing more…for going the extra mile.  

Most people don’t see you working early…staying late or during the weekends…when you are legitimately worn out for extended periods. In many cases your sacrifices, adjustments, changes, redirections, irritations, and frustrations goes completely unnoticed…. Many folks do not witness the work you do internally before the Lord…the hard steps you take alone to realize substantial growth…the humility of admitting before God weaknesses, needs, failures, and at times desperation. We unfortunately assume our circumstances are normal and pervasive. But you are not average…. However, I wish to fully recognize that you make a real difference every single day, at times I experience it and inwardly celebrate you…your thoughtfulness, kindness…and selflessness. You can repeatedly be counted on…you always come through in the clutch…you consistently show up. It’s the unspoken expectation…never realizing there is a real cost to you for what we so richly benefit from. God sees YOU! Remember, He knows. Thank you for being so faithful to our Lord.

Your commitment levels are an inspiration to us all. You make us want to be even more faithful to the Lord also. I must honestly say, I am grateful for your exceptional work…the incredible person you are. Real character still matters in a day of sound bites, calculated photos, and disingenuous false press. You literally are inspiration in ‘shoe leather.’ Thank you for influencing our “lives” to shine so brightly...so often. Yes, it is partly your fault our existence is astonishing to some. Thank you for that and have another typical day!