After each series, I like to leave little nuggets called Along the Way, because along this journey, as we walk out our dreams, dust off the cobwebs on some of the ones stashed away, putting one foot in front of the other,  it’s important to stop and make sure we do some things. One of those things is wrapped in two simple words, “Thank You.” So many times we live our lives on cruise control, busy, and solely focused on our own priorities and tasks. I also know that life isn’t always easy and it demands quite a bit out of us, but if you are reading this, no matter how hard life is, you are still standing, still alive and breathing.  So while you are standing, it is so important to recognize and honor those people that have lifted you up and have helped to get you to where you are today.

When we think of those moments, our minds tend to remember the biggest obstacles in our lives and how someone helped us (which we should be sooo grateful for), BUT at the same time, we cannot forget the small moments- the free donut you received that made you smile on a bad day, your fourth grade teacher who took the time to help you pass an exam, a friend who might have simply said I’m proud of you, a relative’s love that you take for granted, or a random text that said I’m thinking about you when you felt forgotten. Just stop for a second. Think about those moments and think about those people- even if you have to go back some years. Make sure you tell them, “Thank You.” It compels you to look at the good in others and allows you to think about what they have added to your life.

SING someone’s praises by making sure your “Thank You” is…

(S)pecific, (I)nstantaneous,  a (N)ormal part of everyday life, and (G)enuine. For more, see blog.

DAILY DEVOTIONS

Day 1 and Day 2

“Let us come before His presence with a song of thanksgiving; Let us shout joyfully to Him with songs. Psalm 95:2 (Amplified)

Prayer Lord, as we intentionally say, “Thank You” to all those who have blessed us, let us not forget YOU. You provided when we had little. You said we were enough when others said we’d amount to nothing. You called us beautiful when we didn’t see beauty in ourselves. You stayed faithful to us with no reciprocation. Lord, the list could go on and on. We take this moment to appreciate all You are and all You’ve done. We love You, Lord, forever. Amen.

Journal Take just a couple days and write an entry to God, thanking him for his goodness and grace. Oftentimes, we go through the motions, thanking Him without thought. Let’s take time to appreciate and love on Him and make it a practice every day.

Day 3 through Day 7

“Love is to be sincere and active [the real thing—without guile and hypocrisy]. Hate what is evil [detest all ungodliness, do not tolerate wickedness]; hold on tightly to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another with [authentic] brotherly affection [as members of one family], give preference to one another in honor; 11 never lagging behind in diligence; aglow in the Spirit, enthusiastically serving the Lord; 12 constantly rejoicing in hope [because of our confidence in Christ], steadfast and patient in distress, devoted to prayer [continually seeking wisdom, guidance, and strength], 13 contributing to the needs of God’s people, pursuing [the practice of] hospitality.” Romans 12:9-13 (Amplified)

Prayer Let us not be stingy in honoring our friends and family. Let us not withhold being kind to those around us. Let us not overlook the small things people have done to bless us. Let us never forget the moments others have contributed to our lives. Instead, let us love. Let us appreciate. Let us show our gratitude in abundance. May our thanks be genuine and pure.

Journal For the next five days, write a little note to yourself detailing why you are thankful for one person. (A different person each day). Whether it’s by note, Facebook post, Instagram, or face to face, tell that person SPECIFICALLY why you are thankful for them.