Comments on: Gratitude

By: Terrace Crawford

Terrace Crawford — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 22:26:00 +0000

Sooo funny you post this. It’s been on my mind for a couple of weeks to send out notes of gratitude! You gave me the extra push to do it today.

I’ll be writing staff, family members and was inspired by someone in the comments I just read to also write leaders whose books or model leadership has influenced me.

By: Camey

Camey — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 11:57:52 +0000

The story of the lepers speaks to me in ways words can not always write. Last Tuesday (April 15th) I turned 40. As I was recounting to the women at the beginning of the Bible study I teach - the years from 30 to 40 were the best of times and the worst. I learned more about being grateful and having real gratitude during those years compared to the others. This morning, as I prepare yet again to go to teach… I remain so incredibly grateful for the individuals whose lives intersect with mine even for only a moment in time. As I stand in my high heels or with my shoes off sitting on the ground…. may my life brush the colors of gratitude that only He can paint. I am one who was healed… in 2003. And I count it all joy to use my hands to hold His Word, to hold the hands of someone hurting, pick up a little child, and etc…

And Craig, I am grateful for you. Thank you.

By: Kirby

Kirby — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 10:58:08 +0000

My grandfather had his 97th birthday last Sunday. One of the best things I’ve done was write a tribute to him several years ago. One page, telling him all I was grateful for - fond memories of time with him, etc. My wife and I have done for our parents as well. Thanks for the reminder of the value of gratitude and specifically taking time to communicate that gratitude.

By: princessjes

princessjes — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 22:20:29 +0000

I love that! I always try to have thanks and praise be on my lips (or written) …Encouraging words really do mean a lot!

By: D

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 22:05:12 +0000

When? Tonight. It is a letter I thought even yesterday to write. Did God ask you to nudge me with this?

My Grandfather, who’s been like a father to me since Dad died of colon cancer. Granddad is nearing the end, due to being too weak to continue fighting cancer.

He knows the Lord and loves Him.

The sands are of this world slipping away. So, before he meets Jesus, Granddad will know my heart of thanks.

Maybe writing it makes the end so real. But the regret of not having said it, will hurt more.

Thanks Craig.

By: JoAnna

JoAnna — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 21:38:33 +0000

There are so many different people that I am grateful for but at the top of my list is my church that I grew up in. I started going there by myself when I was four years old, and my parents were far from being Christians, so the church became my spiritual parents. I would not be the person I was because of them. I am definitely going to send my pastor a letter, this week.

By: Hope

Hope — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 20:59:48 +0000

My mentor Gail. My pastor Jason, and his wife Lori. Pastor Jason’s parents, Dr. Barry and Dr. Joyce, and my metal shop teacher, Mr. Perry. He used to call me “punky doodle” and just because of that I couldn’t wait to get my hands on the torches just to impress him. He taught me that there’s nothing a girl can’t do if she puts her mind to it.

By: jon

jon — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 17:29:43 +0000

what i like is how your challenge is to “write them each…”. to me it means so much more to get a note or card in the mail from someone…it’s more personal…it takes a little more time and effort!

great post!

By: Craig Groeschel

Craig Groeschel — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 16:03:44 +0000

Bill, That’s awesome that you regularly appreciate others. I know it makes a difference in their lives as well as yours. I am so glad Confessions spoke to you.

Andy, Way to go! After all those years, I’m sure your friend was very blessed.

Lynse, You are very blessed!

Rodney and Jim, Thank you both for your kind words. So many have helped me. I’m glad to know I can pass it on! Blessings to you both!

By: Jim

Jim — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 15:41:52 +0000

I wanted to take the opportunity to thank you for all you’ve done to help take the lid off. Thanks for making me wrestle and ponder the Scriptures. Thanks for being a catalyst in helping to ignite my continued passion for Jesus!

By: Rodney

Rodney — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 15:29:59 +0000

Let me make this the first of 10 notes to write. Thank you for your leadership. Your words on this blog have encouraged and inspired me over this past year. They have helped me become a better leader, and hopefully a better Christ-following man. (now 9 more to go)

By: lynse leanne

lynse leanne — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 15:20:53 +0000

That is a great reminder.

I recently got married and some of the influential woman in my life lined the isle and gave me flowers to make my bouquet.

There is one in particular who is probably the most influential person in my life. She is my mentor and accountability. She knows the questions to ask and when to ask them. She encourages me and challenges me to be a better person.

I text her and she just text me back “wow.” She is such a blessing in my life.

By: Andy Wood

Andy Wood — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 14:53:55 +0000

Last week I called a guy I hadn’t spoken to in more than 15 years. He had disappointed me greatly by leaving his wife at a time when I thought I needed his wisdom about how to KEEP my wife. I wasn’t angry, but just moved on.

I am very thankful for this man.

Thirty years ago this month, he was instrumental in offering me my very first church ministry position. Can I tell you what an incredible blessing it was to hear his voice? To thank him for believing in a 19-year-old know-nothing (who, incidentally, got away with some pretty stupid things there)? To tell him I hadn’t forgotten the role he played in my life?

He seemed deeply appreciative and moved that I would call.

I was moved even more.

By: Bill (cycleguy)

Bill (cycleguy) — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 13:11:05 +0000

I do this on a fairly regular basis but have no order to it. It is a great exercise and even though I do not hear back from some of the folks I know my heart was blessed by doing so. Thanks for the suggestion again.

And Craig??? Thanks. Thanks for the “Confessions” book. Thanks for the personal notes during your blogs. Thanks for making yourself available.

By: Craig Groeschel

Craig Groeschel — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 12:56:09 +0000

Kevin, Great list of people. I’m sure they appreciated the notes and expressions of gratitude.

By: Kevin Bussey

Kevin Bussey — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 12:23:56 +0000

Craig,

-my parents led me to Christ when I was 5
-Rick Rush was my SS teacher in HS (I wrote him a note 5 years ago)
-Mike Hall discipled me (I wrote him a note 5 years ago)
-Bob Horner gave me my 1st opportunity to preach & then called me to join his staff after seminary. (we stay in touch)
-Larry Anderson of YFC, mentor
-Rick Warren (I wrote him a note 5 years ago)
-John Maxwell (I wrote him a note 5 years ago)
-Andy Stanley (I wrote him a note 5 years ago)
-Chuck Swindoll
-Henry Blackaby
- Craig Groeschel

By: Scott Williams

Scott Williams — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 11:35:19 +0000

Thanks for the reminder; I’ll be writing some this week!