If you are joining us tonight then we will be at The Quarry at 7:30pm tonight.
I went to an awards ceremony last night. I had been nominated along with some others for an award as part of the Northumberland FA’s Grassroots football awards. I sat in a room with a 100 or so people and 22 awards were handed out to individuals and groups recognising the good work they have done in different areas.
Last week I was re-invited to stay another 5 years in the circuit. When this happens people are invited to say things in appreciation of your ministry (not something I find easy to listen to). But should we need a formal process to give thanks for someones gifts and then wait five years to do it.
I sat in our weekly Mother House prayers as well this week. As those gathered were chatting Rob shared about giving thanks and telling people about the positive impact they have had on us. Often we save this for someones eulogy.
In a world filled with busy schedules, constant distractions, and the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it’s easy to forget the simple yet profound act of giving thanks. We often find ourselves caught up in the rush, the deadlines, and the chaos, neglecting to express our gratitude when someone does something good or when a positive impact is made on us, a group, or within an organisation.
The fact is that a simple “thank you” can carry immense power? It’s not just about being polite; it’s about acknowledging the positive forces people have in our lives and cultivating a culture of appreciation. It is more than just thank you though. It is about expressing to someone the important, often unseen things that they do and are that inspire us in our lives. It is the legacy they pass on to us.
Paul often in his letters celebrates and gives thanks for those he is writing to or he wants to mention.
Ephesians 1:16 (NIV):
“I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.”
Romans 1:8 (NIV):
“First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world.”
Philemon 1:7 (NIV):
“Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people.”
The challenge of all of this then is to ask how we can give thanks for one another. For the groups we are part of that support us and the things people do that inspire us. So some questions on being thankful.
- Have you ever won or been nominated for an award and if so what was it?
- When was the last time you told someone how thankful you were for them?
- Have you ever been in a group or organisation that did giving thanks well?
- How can we build thanksgiving for others into what we do with BFX?
Photo by Vie Studio: https://www.pexels.com/photo/thank-you-lettering-on-white-surface-4439457/
Has been a part of BeachcomberFX since his arrival in the North East in 2014. He is well travelled (at least in the UK) having lived in Manchester, Nottingham, Derbyshire, Southport, Doncaster, Berwick and Edinburgh. Supporter of Newcastle United, will watch any sport.