Gratitude is Worth the Time

Sure, as we put on a women’s retreat, we are all working together to serve the Lord.  There are those who rightly say that in serving the Lord we shouldn’t expect the praise or gratitude of men.  However, as women’s leaders, my observation has been that expressing sincere appreciation for someone’s time and effort creates a sense of unity and loyalty among those who come alongside to help in the ministry.  Sometimes we may not even realize the time invested or the sacrifices someone has made in order to be involved.

I was thinking of an example from our recent retreat.  I am “in charge” of the skit at the retreat, and need numerous volunteer helpers.  I have one busy  mom of five who always volunteers to be involved in our retreat skits.  She not only enjoys participating as an “actress,” but she also volunteers to make (by hand) beautiful signs when they are needed as props in the skits.  Because the signs are creative and high quality, I know that she spends more than a few hours late at night after the little ones are in bed making these signs.  Only she really knows the time and money that were invested in these signs.

For the most part, those who watch the skit just take for granted that those signs are part of all that makes up the skit.  That is as it should be–props should enhance the skit rather than take attention away from the skit or its message.  No one ever asks me who created the signs because, as props, they have only enhanced the message of the skit.  I may hear from many that they were blessed by the skit; but those “behind-the-scenes” workers may never hear those praises.  So if I don’t express appreciation to them, who will?

Expressing thanks requires a relatively small effort, yet it can reap big benefits within the ministry.  It can let someone know that they are part of a team, that God has used them and their gifts to bless the body, and encourage them to step out to serve when another opportunity comes their way at another time.