The Value of a Well-Placed “Thank You”

That’s the story of my life…
No Respect – I don’t get no respect at all.
– Rodney Dangerfield

 

Rodney Dangerfield made lots of people laugh in a previous generation with his most famous line, “I don’t get no respect from anyone.”

There’s a reason that line made so much headway over the years. Many people work hard, put their best into what they seek to do, and seemingly go unnoticed or disrespected.

During the recent energy crisis throughout the Midwest during the ice storm, I talked briefly with a friend who worked for one of the major energy companies in town. Upon my questioning her (as she was not being negative, only answering my specific questions), she told me how some of the customers treated her.

My mind went back to a recent experience that I told our church about where a company had charged me a $2.95 fee, which in my opinion was not right (long story). That day my response failed to honor God nor was it kind to the company’s employee. My question to the church that day was, “For how much money are you willing to sell your soul?” That day for me it was worth $2.95.

The employee did not deserve my angst. My real problem was with the company policy, not the employee that took my attitudinal abuse that day.

Broken Televisions and Gratitude?

I try to think about that as often as possible. Recently our main television at home was broken (run-away golf ball – another long story). Price conscious – I waited until Super Bowl week to buy a new one. Gratefully, I found an open-box model that was the size and model we wanted for a much better price – 20% off the sale price. Before I bought it, I asked all kinds of questions about the return policy. I thought I knew everything about it. Except one thing.

We soon found out why the television had been returned to the store. Everything was perfect except for occasionally the computer would just go nuts and would have to be reset back to factory settings before it would again work correctly. Once again, long story short… when I took it back – remembering my question about the cost of my soul – I learned that I could not simply switch it out for the exact same model. The one question I didn’t ask. Instead, although it was a new model with a Geek Squad 100% guarantee, they will not switch it out for a new model. Company policy states that they give you the value of what you paid toward to cost of another new model – which means that if I want the exact same model of the television that I just brought back through the front door which I bought as brand new just days before – I had to come up with 20% more money.

Back to my question – for how much am I willing to sell my soul?

Again… :) long story short… I smiled, said I understood, and thanked the person for helping me.

A Well-Placed Thank You

Most people will buzz all day when you take just a moment to say, “Thank you.” — especially if it is a tense situation.

On a recent trip I asked an employee at the gate if I could have my underaged daughter sit with me on the plane. She looked and explained that since she was flying on points that she could not move her to a better class seat. The employee also explained that the policy had recently changed and that she regretted it. I looked at her, smiled, and thanked her for going to the trouble to look and for caring about it.

Two things actually happened…as we were going through the line to get on board, the lady told us that she had moved her to a better seat since so many were open near me. Then, the lady behind us after checking in herself said, “My seat is right up by your dad, what is your seat number and we can just switch seats?”

I honestly believe that both responses were a result of my attitude when checking on her seat assignment.

I did not say, “Thank you,” so that I could get something from either lady. Instead, I just sought to show respect and gratitude for seeking to help me. However, in this incidence, Kara and I were incredibly blessed as well.

You Do Not Know What You Do Not Know

Regardless of what is happening in front of you and around you, the reality is you simply do not know what you do not know.

Possibly the person – even a family member inside your own home – may be experiencing a rotten day.

Bad news from a friend
Poor grade on an assignment
Misunderstanding with someone he or she respects
Run-in with the authorities (speeding ticket – not that I would know anything about that)
Vehicle malfunction
Lost keys or phone
Spilled coffee or food
Grumpy boss
Irritable employee
Dissatisfied customer
Tired child
Anniversary of the loss of a loved one
Culmination of a burden-filled season
Add your own…

You and I simply do not know what we do not know.

Your spoken word of gratitude – a well-placed “Thanks” – may be just what the Holy Spirit orders up to sooth a soul.

No One Enjoys What They Perceive as a Lack of Appreciation

Who enjoys feeling non-appreciated?

“I just love it when no one cares and no one notices” said no person anywhere. Or at least without a heavy dose of sarcasm.

Take the person who is thinking that statement and then you add a simple, authentic “Thank you” — watch what God can do in that person’s heart.

God may use your simple statement of gratitude to lift that another person’s attitude for hours. In fact, your spirit of gratitude may be the work of the Holy Spirit in you and in the person to whom you express it.

How Much Does Gratitude Cost You?

In all reality, it costs you nothing.

It only takes a few seconds usually.

The real-time, real-life, Spirit-led benefits can last for a long time in the heart of the one to whom you thank.

Plus, the Spirit will also use your general spirit of expressed gratitude to bless you as well.

Image Credit Gabby K

KevinCarson.com | Wisdom for Life in Christ Together

© 2021 KEVINCARSON.COM