“GENERATE A ‘THANK YOU’ OR TWO OR…”

“As Jesus continued on toward Jerusalem, he reached the border between Galilee and Samaria.  As he entered a village there, ten men with leprosy stood at a distance, crying out, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!”  He looked at them and said, “Go show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed of their leprosy.  One of them, when he saw that he was healed, came back to Jesus, shouting, “Praise God!”  He fell to the ground at Jesus’ feet, thanking him for what he had done. This man was a Samaritan.” (Luke 17:11-15 NLT)

While making up the bed Friday I got in on the end of a Twilight Zone episode from the past.  A tenured professor that was considering to continue teaching as opposed to retiring, as he was encouraged to do by college administrators.  Apparently, the professor felt that he had not done enough to impact the lives of his students.  Suddenly, one after another, students who were no longer living appeared in his empty classroom while he sat at his desk.  One by one, four students came up to where he was standing to inform him of the great, heroic, and highly notable things they had done in life, acts that benefitted many, and they indicated that none of their deeds or accomplishments would have happened if it was not for how they were influence, instructed, and inspired his class.   Each of the four individuals who spoke said, “Thank you” in some way or the other.  The whole classroom stood up at one point as an indication that all the students from the past had reasons to give expressions of gratitude to the professor.  After this experience, a representative of the college’s administration came in and he informed her that he had changed his mind and would go ahead and retire.  I believe he reached this decision because his encounter with students from the past showed how he had made such a great difference in their lives and their “thank you” words were sincere.

In a conversation with one of my participants last week in a student in a college program for academic achievers years ago, I expressed how proud I was of her achievements and advancements.  Unexpectedly, I received a grand thank you.  The former student said, “Thank you for always having a listening ear; always telling me what I needed to hear in the most gentle, non-judgmental manner, even when I did not agree; always providing a safe mental space that I could confide in; always pushing me to move forward; always providing professional advice that kept me sane throughout my journey in corporate America, and always being you.”  Like the professor, I had a positive reaction.  However, unlike the professor, I will not retire…not yet.  Smile!

We covered the professor, the preacher (me), and now it is time to get personal.  Here is a challenge for you on this Tuesday morning!  Don’t just live your life so that people will say, “There goes a person who did their job well,” but live in such a way that you generate a thank you or two or three, or many more.  Whether we hear voices of gratitude or not, know that there is a great voice in heaven who hears the “thank you” utterances of those whose lives you touched.  I know you have done plenty in your life to impact others in a positive way, but today, go out with your mind set on generating another thank you, or two, or three, or many more.  And while you are generating thanks, don’t forget to give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!  Be like Walter Hawkins and sing, “Thank you Lord for what you’ve done for me!   Be blessed!

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.  His love endures forever.  Give thanks to the God of gods.  His love endures forever.  Give thanks to the Lord of lords: His love endures forever.” (Psalm 107:1-3 NIV)

Still committed to the climb,            

Mark L. King