Thirty-six years had passed. The one-column sermon outline, written for a minister’s publication in 1981, was long forgotten. It was only one among many brief inspirational thoughts passed on to busy pastors.
Somehow, the publication fell into the hands of a young man in Tanzania who had found his way from Islam to Christianity and was studying to become a minister. He used the outline in preparing a Christmas message he would use over and over again. Years passed. Then one day, he decided to locate the author. He took the time to write an email, introducing himself and describing his spiritual journey from Tanzania to Vancouver, B. C., where he now serves as a chaplain. He was holding in his hand the actual clipping of the sermon outline, which he intended to use again for his Christmas message. He ended the e-mail with two simple words: “Thank you.” Such an expression of gratitude, coming from a stranger or a friend, can mean worlds to the recipient. And we all have people in our past who deserve that simple recognition. So — Look up an address. Send a brief note. Make a phone call. Send a text. It’s never too late to say “Thank you.” Next Steps... I will send a note of appreciation to someone who has made an impact on my life.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorArchives
October 2023
Categories |