Have you ever noticed how good it feels when someone gives a simple but heartfelt thank you? A simple acknowledgement can lift our spirits and give us a greater reason to keep going and to increase our efforts.
We know what a difference it can make to our attitude and how it can really lift us, which makes me wonder why we don’t make more of an effort to thank others.
Who is there in your life who deserves to be thanked?
Saturday the 29th of May is the National Day of Thanksgiving in Australia. The day was first celebrated on the 17th of June in 2003 and is endorsed by the Prime Minister and Governor General.
It’s simply a day to say thank you. The official website emphasises that this isn’t just another event, but an opportunity to thank those who help make up our community.
The National Day of Thanksgiving is a unique opportunity for Australians to celebrate and give thanks for our God given heritage as a nation and to demonstrate the God given values of honour, respect, thankfulness and gratitude towards our fellow man that have made us the great nation we are.
It is a day for us to pause as a nation and say thank you to God and to each other for those many things we often take for granted but which really make our lives worth living. Let us use this day to be a blessing to those who have been a blessing to us during the past year.
Who will you be thanking? Maybe you can give the local police a call to thank them for the tough work they do within our community. What about hospital workers? Do you know someone who provides a service the community that deserves a pat on the back?
How about someone at work who makes your day easier but often misses out on any recognition?
Is there someone in your family that deserves some thanks for the unseen things they do that help things run smoothly at your place?
If you’re part of a church why not call your priest or pastor on Saturday just to let them know that you appreciate all that they do. So many pastors work incredibly hard, going above and beyond the call of duty, with little or no thanks.
When was the last time you said thanks to God for the gift of life itself?
Even though this is an Australian initiative, you don’t have to be living down under to take a few moments to reflect on those people who deserve to hear you say thank you.
Each year, as well as giving opportunity for us to thank the many people who make our lives and society better, we’re asked to focus on a specific sector of the community.
Those we are honouring and thanking as part of our National Day of Thanksgiving celebrations on 29 May 2010 are:
People engaged in Small Business, such as sole traders and shopkeepers. Those engaged in the Trades such as builders, electricians, plumbers, carpenters, etc. Also Primary Producers, which includes all types of farmers.
In addition, and at a more personal level, we encourage you to honour and thank Grandparents for the difference they make in their families and the contribution they have made over the years in our nation.
The website has a number of resources including e-cards to send to those people you want to thank.
Who will you be thanking on Saturday the 29th of May? Make your plans today.
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