The last few days those words have been ringing in my ears. Not the fact that I hear them all the time but because of the fact we don't nearly say them enough.
So what is it that some people say those 2 words all the time and others just don't know them at all? A smile is a reflection of our hearts just like a mirror is when we are standing in front of it. What are we reflecting that others see? When people go out of their way to do something, whether its a nice thing or giving a helping hand - we should already have those words ready to say. Thank you - finishes up where the story ends.
Last night I was in the book of Luke 17. I am not sure why I ended up there but often times God places something on my heart and then He opens His book to a place that makes His words come alive and gives it application to life. Follow me in this story that Jesus shares:
Ten Healed of Leprosy 11Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. 12As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy[a]met him. They stood at a distance 13and called out in a loud voice, "Jesus, Master, have pity on us!" 14When he saw them, he said, "Go, show yourselves to the priests." And as they went, they were cleansed. 15One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. 16He threw himself at Jesus' feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan.
17Jesus asked, "Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? 18Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?" 19Then he said to him, "Rise and go; your faith has made you well."
If Jesus only had 1 person out of 10 come back and say thank you - should we expect anything more? You know the biggest disappointment comes when we do something for someone and expect a thank you. Often times, its then that we never get one. The last few years working and serving the children and students through church and through school - you learn that lesson each and every time you pour into them. Some days you get them and some days you get plenty of them. Going to have lunch at the schools, planning opportunities to get together, those moments when a student pulls you aside to talk with you about something going on in their life, those times together over a Sonic Choc shake..... sometimes you get one and sometimes not. But regardless - you're changing lives. You are making the world a better place by pouring into them. Authentically available opens many doors to that relationship with that student and their family. I don't do it for the thank you's ... I do what I do out of love. It does make a difference and it may not be all that apparent at the time but down the road - when a student comes back after a few years of them walking with you - and they say thank you..... is for sure a special thing. Its that 1 victory reminder when the other 9 walk away. I am blessed to have some awesome students in my life who always, without hesitation - say thank you. It sometimes brings a smile when 2 thank you's come out .... what for? Just because...... just because we are doing life together and we appreciate each other. So to all the folks and students out there who make it point to appreciate, be grateful, to reflect their hearts in their smile and words - Thank You. Thank you for letting me pour into you, to walk with you, to show you Jesus and to just have a place in your life - even if its only for a season. For sure....
You are a rare treasure .......
Lonnie~
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