The Power of Thank You

Even though it happened over 40 years ago, the memory is as fresh as yesterday. That was when my Dad gave me one of the most important life principles I live by.

We were standing just outside the big garage door on a warm summer night in our hometown of Sleepy Eye, Minnesota. We were working on some project together like we usually did. Yet, that night my dad, Giles Roehl, said the words that have stayed in my heart ever since…

“Son, always remember to say thank you.”

“What if we let the power of “thank you” generate and nourish a culture of appreciation and encouragement that makes “fit and flourish” a reality in every dimension?”

At first glance, that advice appears so obvious that we almost deflect it or disregard it.  

But…stop, reflect, and remember.  If you’re like me, some of your precious memories are when others shared their appreciation for something you did for them or how much you meant to them…a thank you.  Those two words carry great positive power when we use them often, authentically, and appreciatively.  The absence of those two words can also have a negative lingering effect over us.

What does saying “thank you” look like in your life?  

Who hears you say “thank you”?  

How do you say “thank you”?  

How often do you say “thank you”?

Here’s some things I’ve learned about how to give—and receive—“thank you”. When you say thank you to someone,

1. Go beyond just thanking them for what they’ve done for you.  Thank them for who they are, not just what they do.  Tell them why they have made a difference in your life and why you appreciate them.

2. Learn people’s “thank you language”.  Some like an arm around their shoulder and a quiet, personal thank you.  Others thrive on being given public recognition and some kind of reward.  Some enjoy and thoughtful gift or a handwritten card. 

3. Leave sarcasm completely out of the thank you.  Saying something like, “I used to think you were a jerk, but now you’re not so bad…” is not humor.  It’s tearing someone down to make yourself look better.  Sarcasm seems to be one of the acceptable sins among Christians.  Let gracious gratitude season all your thank you offerings.

4. When you are the one receiving a thank you, don’t deflect it or diminish it.  A genuine, personal thank you is a great gift.  Receive it with humility and gratitude. 

What if we activated the power of gratitude in our relationships—family, friendships, workplace, church, ministry…

What if we let the power of “thank you” generate and nourish a culture of appreciation and encouragement that makes “fit and flourish” a reality in every dimension?

It starts with me…and with you.

So…thank you for reading this post!  I am grateful for your interest.  God’s best to you!

Coach Yourself Forward

1. What are some of the most meaningful “thank you” expressions you have received?  Why?

2. What is your “thank you” language?  What is the “thank you” language of those closest to you?  If you don’t know, find out.

3. Who can you intentionally and sincerely thank in the coming days?  Make it a priority.  Do it face to face if possible.  If they are no longer alive, then tell someone from their family why that person means so much to you.  It’s always the right time to say “thank you”!

Photo by Sebastián León Prado on Unsplash