What is one of the m
ost awesome, powerful and rewarding gifts you could give someone? Simple, gratitude.
That’s right, giving thanks is something that can turns someone’s day around, it can make brighten the spirit of someone, it can be an answer to a prayer, it can literally change a life.
See when you give thanks, I mean a heartfelt, genuine and thoughtful gratitude to someone, you are giving something that money cannot buy. You are allowing yourself to connect with that person in a very special way. You are opening up an opportunity for that person a window to hope.
During this week of Thanksgiving it can become easy and almost repetitious to show our love and gratitude for family and friends which is awesome. However, I want to invite you to do something a little different this year. 
Take some quite time to ponder or mediate about those outside your everyday circle. Maybe its an old classmate or co-worker, maybe its a neighbor, maybe’s a teacher, coach or church leader, maybe it is a family member who you have not had much communication with for a while.
As you think about them, think about how you might show your gratitude to them. In many cases it will be an email, text or phone call. No matter what the form of communication might be, jot down what you feel impressed to share with them.
Now, go ahead and reach out to them. Share with them your heartfelt gratitude and be specific. Let them not only hear your words but feel them. The truth is, you may be an answer to their prayers or even the prayers of that persons family and friends. As you do this, there will be a warmth and peace that comes upon you. You won’t get worldly recognition but more importantly, you will receive internal and personal confirmation of your own goodness. Interesting, one more thing to be thankful for.
Leaders, the best leaders know how to give thanks. They know that without the support and efforts of others, they would not be successful. Ironically, heroes receive tons of thanks and gratitude but more often than not feel uncomfortable with the publicity. Yet, if you listen to them they give thanks for things like, being prepared, being at the right place at the right time, being raised with strong values, having faith in a higher power, etc. It seems they are never at a loss for showing their gratitude. We can all learn from true heroes and great leaders but showing our real gratitude.
I hope you will join me during this time of Thanksgiving and lighten the load of someone by giving your thanks and gratitude to them.
Here is an article I wrote. It seems that people are becoming more and more blind to what their family needs when it comes to their job. Whether its continued stress, long-hours, lots of travel or just not being satisfied, it is time we look to those who love us most and take a temperature check to see if we are in the right job.
The Hero Within U Blog 