Thanks

Thanks

All of these things are for your benefit. And as God’s grace brings more and more people to Christ, there will be great thanksgiving, and God will receive more and more glory.

2 Corinthians 4:15

Have the words thank you ever prompted you to cry? This month I had blocked out the two weeks before a writing deadline to do nothing but write and compile. That was before my oldest son, Chad, called. He said that two of his college friends, Scott and Erin, were coming to Wheaton for a few days before Erin left on a missions trip to Africa, and would I be able to help with a little hospitality and housing? Due to putting clean sheets on beds, cleaning bathrooms, and doing some baking in preparation for my guests, I lost a little bit of work time, but the note I found on a pillow after Scott left this morning more than made up for it:

Mrs. Elwell, thanks so much for letting me stay here last night. It was nice having somewhere to feel welcome after our long drive yesterday. We both appreciate your hospitality, especially as Erin is a little nervous about her trip. We had a good time chatting last night. God has already blessed Erin’s trip through you. Thanks again. —Scott and Erin

That’s when I cried. I realized that in God’s schedule, being an encouragement to these two people was an important interlude in the middle of my work, and I was energized by the encouragement of their thanks. When we thank other people, it offers more encouragement than we will ever know.

Father,

Thank you for the encouragement you send us through the gratefulness of others. May we be quick to offer thanks to others and quick to offer thanks to you. Amen.