I put my groceries on the checkout counter and the cashier said, “How are you today?” Of course, I replied, “I’m fine, how are you?” She said, “Fine,” and I wondered how many times she had said those words already. “Ha, ha, about a hundred times,” she replied when I asked her, and we smiled together because the conversation had become less automatic and more real. I wonder what she would have thought if I told her, “I give thanks for you,” because I truly did.
Expressing appreciation and saying “Thank you” out loud alters the state of mind of both the speaker and the one who hears the gratitude. It puts both people in a better place. This is the gift of Paul’s prayer to the Ephesians. He sees their faithfulness, gives thanks for their living witness, and prays for their deepening relationship with God.
Greet someone today with a random smile or friendly remark. See with the eyes of your heart. God always surprises us. Change up our automatic replies and be the surprising light of Christ in your special corner of the world today.
Gracious Lord, you are the light and the life of the world. Let your love be seen through my appreciation for those around me so all may be drawn to deeper knowledge of you. Amen. —