WEEK TWO: Express Gratitude
Can you imagine how many people touched your life to make you what you are today? So many people, teachers, coaches, friends or parents - the list is only limited by our memory - have helped, encouraged or instructed us in some way.
In High School I was incorrigible - but there was one teacher that was as ornery as I way - Mrs. Yaniass. She taught Orchestra where I played Double Bass. I had a habit of "drumming" on the side of the Bass when not playing - a habit that truly annoyed Mrs. Yaniass. For two years we went round and round. At times we exasperated one another - but she did get the best out of the limited abilities I had.
When I moved back to LaPorte, I started to look for her - just to say thank you and to let her know I didn't end up in Prison! (smile) She had lost a battle to lung cancer a few years ago and I had lost the privilege to say thank you one last time.
Don't miss your chance.
It may be a parent, a teacher, a coach - someone - but find that someone and find a tangible way of expressing your appreciation to them. Write a card - maybe a phone call - but find a way to let them know you recognize their impact on your life. There may be more than one.
Find them. Write them. Let them know you haven't forgotten them. Thank them.
It will make their day. It will nudge your world.
And finally - when remembering their impact on you - keep their legacy alive and work on impacting those around you.
Every time I say your name in prayer—which is practically all the time—I thank God for you, I miss you a lot, especially when I remember that last tearful good-bye, and I look forward to a joy-packed reunion. 2 Timothy 1:3-4 (para)
Mark,
ReplyDeleteSpeaking about the "nudge" I want everyone to remember what your dad did with me! You would find that principle in 2 Timothy 2:2:
the things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.
Roy Robertson wrote a now out-of-print book in the mid 80's entitled The Timothy Principle regarding Paul's Dicipleship of Timothy. Every one of use needs to have or look for a Timothy to disciple. We need to be nudged to do that!
Mark,
ReplyDeleteAlthough Nell has gone to be with our Heavenly Father, I remember so often how your Mother and Nell were so dedicated to the Children's Ministry at Vista Baywood. I would like for you to tell your Mom thank you while at the same time remembering Nell for their dedication to the children and the impact on them. I know that their love for the children there and elsewhere will be felt for years to come in the future generations of lives touched.
They together "Nudged the World" one child at a time.
Darlene Gamble-Bays