Too often, I think, we forget to say, “Thank you.” It’s not that we are ungrateful. I think we get busy and forget, or we are so used to a specific person doing a specific task that we just expect it to happen. I have made a conscious effort over the years to try to remember to thank people for what they have done. That simple gesture can have a positive effect on the one who is thanked.
Saying “thank you” is important. An article I read recently named a number of positive effects that hearing “thank you” can have. It makes the recipient feel good and boosts their well-being. It creates a positive atmosphere that can lead to more meaningful connections. Grateful people are happier people. Gratitude can reduce stress and improve sleep.
Our Redeemer’s congregation has been very, very busy over the last few months. We have been doing the usual things we do, and we have added a number of other things in the mix. Just since Easter (which is a random date to choose, but it also reminds us of new life), we have:
put a new floor in the storage room to make it more usable
hosted a Mother-Daughter banquet
hosted the Memorial Day service at Hickory cemetery
hosted VBS
had ice cream sundaes and a pancake breakfast after worship
went to WIR to watch racing
raised money for Lutheran Disaster Relief
collected items to donate to the Suring school
had our first float in the Suring Labor Day parade
hosted our first pet blessing
sent off a number of quilts and health kits to the mission field
among other things.
That’s a lot of activity, and it takes many hands to get it all done. So THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU to each and every one of you who has helped to make all these events happen!! It warms my heart to see how many people care for each other and for our neighbors. God bless!!
Pastor Beth
