Gratitude

“Thanks for
coming in today,” Dr. Karen Connell said as I got up from the dental
chair. I must say that I was shocked. I had never had a dentist thank me for
coming in to get dental work done.

You would think I
had done something special for her the way she sincerely expressed her
gratitude. Never mind the fee I paid. The fact is, I had called them to give me
a dental service. I was the one served. I was the one to express thanks, and I
did.

By all accounts, Dr.
Connell is a successful dentist with a thriving practice. Her staff is cheerful
and respectful, no matter the time of day you come in. The atmosphere is upbeat
and pleasant. I am certain that her hard work, wise decisions and a spirit of
gratitude are the elements contributing to her success. No this is not a
commercial promo for Dr. Connell. Instead, I am impressed with her simple way
of saying thanks to her clients.

In this harsh,
money-grubbing, greedy world it is refreshing to be appreciated. And we all
know, including Dr. Connell, that I could have chosen any dentist in the city.
I didn’t have to choose her.

We pastors need to
grasp this “unique” perspective. Each Sunday, the people in our
congregations have more choices than us. There are any number of worship venues
available to them, yet they choose us. The business world is way ahead of us.
We may never catch up, but we have much to appreciate.

Dear Father, thank
you for the peace that Christ gives. Grant that we may enjoy peace and be
thankful. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN

Be strong and
courageous today with gratitude,