Gracias, Merci, Grazie, Danke, Chokrane

At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.
-Albert Schweitzer

Spanish, French, Italian, German and Arabic - THANK YOU.  They all look so different, but the words have a universal meaning. 
                                THANK YOU. 
                                           Thank you. 
                                                     thank you. 
Saying those two words to someone can make all the difference.  Recognizing someone for something they did by saying two itty bitty words ---- maybe they did something as small as compliment your shoes or your new hair style, or maybe they were there for you and showed you support in some of your most troubling times --- maybe a best friend, a parent, a co-worker, a stranger.  THANK YOU.  It means the same thing in every language, it holds the same emphasis in every act.  It is reciprocating an act of kindness someone did for you.



I know we were all taught to always say "thank you,"  but did you ever stop and think about what giving thanks really means?  Or has it become such a second nature that you say it without giving it much thought.  My challenge to you:  say thank you to someone and REALLY mean it.   Write a note, make a phone call or do it in person.  And be sincere.  The person you are thanking will know the difference :)

Today's Starfish

So, last week I talked about how I was involved in a class at my church.  We had a spiritual retreat a couple weekends ago and I met two of the most wonderful ladies.They really helped me to feel loved and cared for and accepted and worthy.  They prayed for me for many different aspects in my life and they prayed for my journey in my faith.  And they also did the same for me this last weekend at my class.  I decided to write them a thank you note today just to make sure they know how much I appreciate their thoughtfulness and kind words and that they really did touch my life.

Don't forget the challenge this week!  Say thank you to someone and really mean it!