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Hoosier United Methodist News Archives
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November/December 2006 |
| Body, Mind & Spirit |
The power of please and thank you
By Todd Outcalt
Some years ago I picked up a little book entitled, Say Please, Say Thank You, by David W. McCullough. It was a fascinating read about human nature and our need for a culture of civility and manners. Most interesting to me was an observation about the power of words and the courtesies we extend each other through the simple expressions of Please and Thank You.
My own experience has borne out the truth of this observation, as I have witnessed the power of these simple courtesies in people's lives. I always feel elated when I hear my children say "please" and "thank you" when a waitress refills their drinking glasses in a restaurant.
Often, when someone asks me to do something with such kindness and adds the word "please" - I just have to say "yes." And when we say "thank you" to others, there is something in those two words that lifts our spirits and makes us feel that we have truly contributed.
Saying Please and Thank You certainly has its place in the church. However, we often forget these simple expressions of gratitude as a part of our community and work together.
Some of the ways I've been trying to practice this in the church include:
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Saying "thank you" from time-to-time for our choirs, worship leaders, greeters, ushers, nursery volunteers and those who prepare communion. Often I do this publicly. At other times, I write notes or e-mails.
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Preparing a thank you or pastoral note on financial contribution statements that go out to the congregation.
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Writing a handwritten note to someone who has given generously or sacrificially always elicits a warm response.
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Recognizing office volunteers and letting them know they are appreciated.
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Asking if someone would "please" consider a leadership position in the coming year.
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Working with a great staff always eager to please and help each other.
As we celebrate a national thanksgiving, perhaps we also can focus on saying "thanks" to the people who have blessed our lives and been so much a part of God's expression of love. After all, our greatest gifts are to be found in each other. Saying Please and Thank You can be a blessing to someone who is feeling unappreciated, lonely or inadequate.
Little words can often be the largest avenues of God's love. Have you used them lately?
Thank you.
Todd Outcalt serves as senior pastor of Calvary United Methodist Church in Brownsburg, Ind. Outcalt also is author of Before You Say 'I DO': Important Questions to Ask Before Marriage, a Perigee Book available at www.penguin.com. Search for "before marriage."
Last updated on 25 Apr 2008