Remember to Say Thanks

Good Morning, Ekklesia Family,

Remember that time you went out of your way to help someone — maybe you stayed up late to comfort them, gave your last, made a sacrifice from your heart — and they never said "thank you"?

It stung, didn’t it?

You may have even told yourself, "I’ll never do that again!"

But before we make a permanent decision based on temporary pain, here’s a thought: someone might be thinking of you the same way.

We’ve all failed at saying “thanks” at one time or another — not because we didn’t feel it, but maybe because life got loud and our gratitude got lost in the shuffle. But now that we know how it feels to be unappreciated, let’s commit to doing better — not out of guilt, but out of grace.

The truth is:

Everyone wants to feel seen.

Everyone needs to feel valued.

Everyone longs to feel appreciated.

Years ago, I read a workplace study that found employees would accept less pay if they received more genuine appreciation. That’s how powerful gratitude is. Appreciation restores joy in relationships, builds bridges between the overlooked and the overwhelmed, and helps the Body of Christ reflect the heart of Christ.

So today, I invite you to join me in a simple spiritual reset: Let’s remember to say “thank you.”

Send a text.

Write a note.

Drop a voice message.

Or simply look someone in the eye and speak life:

“I see you. I appreciate you. I thank God for you.”

The apostle Paul gave the church at Colossae this timeless reminder:

> “And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.”

— Colossians 3:15–17 (NLT)

At Ekklesia Christian Life Ministries, we’re celebrating 14 years of unity in Christ under the theme:

“Connecting With Purpose: One Body, Many Parts, Fourteen Years United in Christ” (1 Corinthians 12:27).

We are one church, one family, committed to showing up for each other with gratitude, grace, and the gospel.

So from my heart to yours —

Thank you.

I appreciate you.

I see your light, your labor, and your love.

LoveUmorethanUknow,

Pastor Stephän Kirby