The Power of a Thank You

Today I witnessed something that truly touched my heart.

A senior citizen stopped in to thank a couple who had been his high school youth group leaders—people he described as a “second mom and dad” during some very important years of his life. What made the moment powerful was hearing why their love and investment mattered so much.

As he shared his story, he explained how some of his teachers had labeled him “dumb” and told him he would never amount to anything. At the time, they didn’t understand that he simply had a different learning style, and what we now recognize as ADHD.

Instead of crushing him, those words lit a fire in his soul. He decided he would prove them wrong. And today—he has, because he believed God made him just the way he is and that, he can have salvation and be a jewel in God’s crown. He is a successful businessman, and even more importantly, he is a man who daily shows kindness and chooses to love people well wherever he goes.

As I sat there quietly observing, I thought, this is what it looks like when someone’s life is shaped by encouragement instead of criticism.

That youth group couple may be elderly now, and facing health challenges, but their impact is still alive and multiplying—because they saw a teenager who needed hope and love, not criticism. The elderly man knew what to do because he had faced the same label as a teen.

Thrive on Purpose Challenge: 

• Who invested in you when you needed it most?
• Who believed in you before you believed in yourself?
• Who helped you grow, even when others spoke negativity over you?

How can you express your gratitude to them this week?

Maybe it’s a phone call.
A handwritten note.
A visit.
A text message.
A simple, sincere: “Thank you for making a difference in my life.”

You never know… that small act of gratitude may be exactly what they need to hear today.

“Encourage one another and build each other up.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV)

Let’s be people who encourage.
Let’s be people who express gratitude.
Let’s be people who love well.

Because one kind word… one faithful leader… one loving “second mom and dad”… can change a life forever.

See People. Share Love. Serve Neighbors.

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