Over coffee one morning, two founders lamented over the lack of acknowledgement, appreciation and gratitude they seemed to observe all around them. As a result, they put research into motion and spent months visiting businesses, charities and non-profit groups, actively listening for two simple words: “Thank you.”
Sadly, they witnessed a disheartening cultural trend: there was barely any friendly acknowledgement at all!
Customers in restaurants failed to acknowledge staff attending to them, cashiers failed to say thank you to their customers and vice versa, and everyday people doing courteous acts for one another were met with grumpy grunts and head nods. No words spoken.
Across the board they heard it said, “My boss never says thank you.” “Kids have terrible manners these days.” “Is there such thing as common courtesy anymore?”
Geoff Kirkwood and Charles Alder decided to do something about. And because of their efforts, today, January 11, is, “International Thank You Day.”
Cool story, right? I know! But also, here’s a thought: isn’t that usually how change works?
Change happens when people decide to do something about it. When they step out on a limb, stand up and say, “I’ll lead the way.”
Yes, today’s devo is about International Thank You Day – a great day to acknowledge! Yes, today’s devo is meant to probe your thoughts with these questions: “Do you use the words thank you enough? Do you acknowledge the people who serve you? Do you live your life with exuberant appreciation? Do you exemplify a life of thankfulness to those around you?”
But more so, today’s devo is meant to challenge you to be someone who is willing to go out on a limb, to be the change, to shift the culture, to stir things up, to stand up with boldness and do something about it.
Is this not who Christ is calling us to be?
Is this not how Christ invites us to live?
You don’t need to launch an International day to be effective. In fact, He wants you to be yourself and come alive using the gifts He gave you. But you do need to ask Him to tune your eyes and ears to His desire for culture, and recognize where in your pocket of the world He would like to use you. Then be willing. Go. And do something about it.
Then I heard the Lord asking, “Whom should I send as a messenger to this people? Who will go for us?” I said, “Here I am. Send me.” Isaiah 6:8
