Even when “it goes without saying,” some things should be said. “I’m thankful for you” is one of those things.  As much as we might acknowledge that without the people in our life we wouldn’t have the full experiences we’ve had, how often do we thank people for the role they’ve played?

By being interested, exploring and engaged in the lives of the people right in front of us, we share the conviction that God has ordained the people in our life – that his will for us breathes, talks and walks in our space every day. When we’re thankful for people we’re really saying, “thank you” to God.

It might be easy to think of the easy people and hard to think of the hard people in our lives as being a blessing, but every person represents opportunities to know God better and opportunities to express God’s love.

Are you thankful for the people in your life? Have you told them? Do they know it?

This week, practice a rhythm of gratitude for the people in your life.

Be intentional and specific about this rhythm, don’t just have a general thankfulness for everyone. Take the time to thoughtfully express your specific gratitude to specific people this week.

To help with this rhythm, think of five people you plan to see this week. Prepare a thankful message to them – written or spoken – that includes the answers to the following two questions:

• Why are you thankful for this person?
• How have they contributed to your life in a positive way?

Once you’ve thought through the answers to these questions, there’s only one thing left to do; deliver the message.