Isn’t it wonderful when someone thanks you unexpectedly? Out of the blue a card arrives in the post, or an email arrives with a ‘ping’ in your inbox, or a text message arrives… and it is someone taking the time and effort to thank you for something you have said or done. It seems even more special when they speak to you on the phone. And as for when they say it in person… woohoo!

Often we remember to thank people when they have done something special for us, something amazing, something extra, something that made a positive difference to us. But how often do we thank people for doing something ordinary, mundane, routine and expected. In fact, if we are honest, those are the things we often take for granted. And, while we’re being honest, sometimes the only times we notice them is when they have not been done and we get somewhat miffed that they have not been done (and we can be quite quick to complain, can’t we?).

So, with an attitude of gratitude, I would like to invite you to surprise someone with thanks today. Not someone who has done something special, or has gone out of their way to do something for you (but don’t neglect to thank them too) but someone who is doing something ordinary, mundane, routine and expected. Let them know that they have been noticed, that they are valued, that you are grateful.

Here are some ideas to get you going:

• Leave a thank you card sticking out of your letterbox addressed: ‘To the person who is about to put something through my letterbox’ (it could be a postal worker, or someone delivering leaflets).
• Stop and thank someone who is sweeping the streets or picking up litter.
• Buy a bag of individually wrapped sweets and see if you can give them all away one at a time in the day as you meet people whom you can thank.
• The next time you get a cold caller on the phone rather than getting angry with them try thanking them for the call (that may be difficult) and letting them know that even though you have not had an accident / need to claim for PPI / etc you want to bless them.
• Write ‘thank you for’ on some post it notes and take them with you today. When you see something to be grateful for, finish the ‘thank you for…’ message and stick the post it note on a colleague’s desk, a shopkeeper’s till, or wherever it is appropriate.

What other ideas come to mind?

Be blessed, BE A BLESSING!