Saying Thank You

This morning I took some recyclables to the community site with the 20-foot long bins. A truck driver pulled in with an empty unit, and waited as I got out of his way. Before he left I climbed up on the truck step and thanked him for the good job he and others did to keep out city more clean, and to help the environment. He was most appreciative. We had a short visit, and I left with both of us, I think, felling a bit better about life.

For many years I have found it important and rewarding to me to personally thank others for their good works, embarrassing my family at times as I engage strangers in public places. I live such a blessed life and have a desire to express my gratitude to those who help make it so. Secker said, “He enjoys much who is thankful for the little things; a grateful mind is both a great and a happy mind.”

For about 20 years I was on the international boards of some major mission agencies, such as Heifer Project and Habitat for Humanity. When we had a large dinner meeting in a hotel dining room I would, after the meal, walk boldly in the kitchen and dishwashing area, and in a very loud voice so all could hear, say something like this, “I want you to know who you have been helping tonight. Habitat for Humanity, who helps the poor of the world build houses for themselves, has been meeting in your dining room. Your wonderful meal and service has helped us to do our work well, and I want to thank you for all you have fed. You have helped the poor get more homes. Thank you again!” By that time I was usually being escorted out of the kitchen, but I left behind a group of hard working people who had received acknowledgement for their labors.

In airports when I see some lonesome soul pushing a broom and a push cart, cleaning the waiting area, I go over and visit with them a few minutes, finding  out a bit about their life, and thanking them for keeping the area so neat. It seems to me that after that I notice a bit more push in their broom and a bit more smile in their face.

Much of my work at PET is sitting at the computer writing personalized thank-you letters to each donor. We receive about 20 donations by mail a week, and I write each one a thank-you letter, including some recent reports and photos about PET. This is not only a pleasant and proper thing to do, but is one of the key ingredients of successful fund raising. I now have name recognition with PET and donors especially appreciate a personal letter from me. Without those donors there would be no PET, and I want each of them to know they are appreciated.

This morning at the grocery store I was the only one in line at the check-out. I visited with the young woman clerk, a college student, and asked about her dreams for her life. As I left I said, “You are an excellent worker here and I know you will do good in the rest of your life. Thank you for your good work.” My parents taught me to say “thank you” 80 years ago, and I still find it a proper and satisfying thing to do.