Two Little Words

Most of us know that saying "I love you" (three little words) can make a difference in someone's life, including even yours. Recently, while visiting a prospective college with my granddaughter, I saw the power of two words - not three - in action. It was a scheduled college visit with all sorts of activities planned for the students and their families.

My granddaughter had been contacted by a staff member with information along with acknowledgment of her application. It was not the normal form letter one expects, but instead was a hand-written note. (I was impressed as many acknowledgments come per the Internet and I often feel the art of letter writing is being lost.) The note not only acknowledged the application, gave the information needed, but also included a personal note to my granddaughter. The lady wrote that she had enjoyed reading the required essay. My granddaughter was thrilled, as she had worked hard to write an essay concerning a subject that was personal to her. Her family loved the essay, but it meant a lot more that someone she did not know liked it. After all, we are biased.

The morning began with a reception at the university president's home. We all shook hands with the president and moved onto the next lady in line. As my granddaughter reached out to shake this young woman's hand, she read the name tag and began speaking excitingly saying how glad she was to meet her. Then two little words were spoken in absolute sincerity, as my granddaughter said, "Thank you." It was obvious it meant a great deal to the young lady as she smiled. Immediately, the president turned around and spoke to my granddaughter, telling her how impressed she was that she heard a thank you. She commented that she had not seen that happen very often and it was nice to hear.

The university president noticed my granddaughter not for her impressive writing, nor her academic abilities; but for two words that can be given by anyone, anytime for anything nice someone does for you. It was truly one of those moments in time when you realize God was giving you a much-needed lesson. God gives us our mouth but what words are on our tongues? Often we are good at pointing out mistakes, but do we say thank you and mean it? These two little words can be spoken to anyone, even strangers. After all, as Christians, we are called to be kind.

"So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience." Colossians 3:12 (NASB)

I suggest we look around and watch for those who bless us. Blessings come from God and we should thank Him, but often He uses others to bless us. Can we all begin to say these two little words with sincerity? We hear them spoken in rote, as one was saying good weather while it is raining cats and dogs, not really seeing the blessing. Even if we recognize the blessing, we fail to say the words "thank you." These two little words may bless even you. Those standing close to my granddaughter that day were blessed as she spoke them. Would God want you to use these two words to bless and encourage others?

"Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing." 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NASB)

Now, I say to all of you reading these words a very sincere, "Thank you!"

Copyright © Kathy Schultz, used with permission.