Driving home, I was conversing with a friend on my phone. On the center curb between lanes stood an older gentleman with a sign asking for help, saying he was a Vietnam vet. I spoke into the speaker: “Hold on a minute, Cindy.”

I reached over to pick up one of the food packets I often carry in my car for this purpose, rolled down my window, and smiled as I handed it to the man. “Thank you for your service.” He responded. “Thank you for acknowledging my service. God bless you.”

His words spoke to me, emphasizing the importance of expressing our thanks. My point isn’t to talk about the politics of that war; but I thought of how vilified many of the vets returning from ‘Nam were, and how much it may have meant to this man to have someone say ‘thank you’ rather than spit on him.

Expressing thanks is critical. As Rene said last weekend, it’s not enough to “feel” grateful; we need to express it! If we don’t, the person to whom we feel thankful can interpret that as rejection.

So … to whom can you speak thanks or appreciation this week?

Maybe it’s Jesus. How often have we stopped to thank Him – for salvation, unconditional love, forgiveness, sunshine, family, friends, puppy dogs, flowers, the beauty of nature?

Maybe it’s a loved one we’ve taken for granted, to whom we need to reaffirm our love, appreciation and care.

Maybe it’s a friend with whom there’s been a break, who needs to know we still appreciate them.

Maybe it’s a pastor, who probably hears more criticism than affirmation.

Maybe it’s a boss, a subordinate, or a co-worker, who has helped you complete a project, or has challenged you to grow in new directions.

Maybe it’s your child, who needs to know how incredibly precious he or she is to you, regardless of behavior, tantrums, or choices with which you disagree. Proverbs 17:17 says that “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.”

I want to be a person who speaks thanks, who reflects gratitude, who encourages others in word and deed. How about you?