Whether it’s on the news, through social media, or my everyday interactions with people as a pastor in the metro Atlanta area, I constantly see the devastating effects of the current political and social climate. People are struggling with resentment, bitterness, and anger, and it’s ultimately affecting their relationships. On the other hand, I’ve personally witnessed how choosing gratitude, even in the worst times, has the power to affect change in our lives and in the lives of those around us.
I’ve been blessed to have a great support system in my life. I’ve been thinking, though, that I probably don’t spend enough time saying, Thank you. I wonder if you’re like me. Maybe you have people who have helped you and lifted you up in moments where you couldn’t help yourself. Have you been generous in your gratitude? Silent gratitude doesn’t do anybody any good, but verbal gratitude does people wonders.
I’d like to challenge you to participate in a thank tank. A think tank, of course, is a group of experts who offer advice. They generate ideas and then use the ideas for the good of an organization or society in general. A thank tank is a little different. It’s a group of people who generate gratitude for the good of society. You can easily start your own by demonstrating gratitude in your life. For instance, why not send a text today saying, Thank you, Mom, or thank a person in uniform for his or her service? Thank someone today, and do it out loud. Silent gratitude is a nice attitude, but it doesn’t work nearly as well as speaking it.
Say “thank you” today. It can change your life.