Last week I shared one small way to show thankfulness in your lives. Hopefully this week you’ve enjoyed the opportunity that comes with setting aside one full day from the bustle of endless activities to express gratitude. Did you know Thanksgiving can begin a habit of thankfulness throughout the year?
As you reflect on your blessings and express gratitude on a daily basis, you’ll uncover another avenue for empowerment and building a life of joy and happiness. Daily thankfulness also opens up our ability to influence others as we lead and connect with people. A significant part of working together is recognizing ways we can be thankful for other people and finding opportunities to express gratitude and thanks.
How to effectively influence
Our ability to communicate the value of those we work and serve with hinges on the simple, yet overlooked act of expressing thanks. How does this impact our ability to lead others? Well, our thankfulness communicates value and acceptance that fuels influence.
Three Triggers to thanksgiving: How do we form the habit?
When We Receive – What have you received from someone that has helped you? It could be kind words, a meal, a gift, or a hug. It could even be help or mentoring you’ve received on a project. All of it is worthy of thanks.
When We Achieve – What we accomplish always happens because of what God and others have invested in us. Take time when something is completed to reflect on who helped you get there.
When We Perceive – There is no time limit or date expiration on thanks. When someone comes to mind, jot off a text or email. There are also many free ecards and fun ways to say ‘I appreciate you!’
Rewards of Thanksgiving
As Christ-followers we are commanded to give thanks (Psalms 33, 105, 107). Now is the perfect opportunity to start a daily habit of gratitude. Start simple by spending time each day to consider someone who has benefited your life. Then take the time to train your children to give thanks.
As simple as it seems, in our culture sending a thought of thanks will wow the recipient and also confirm to the sender that what we achieve is, in reality, the fruit of the work of God and others in us and through us. And that is a GIFT worth remarking about!
