There are certain qualities, characteristics, and basic good manners which have almost disappeared from society in these days. So many people appear to be in such a rush. Even when shopping there can be times when you think you are interrupting the shop assistants private and personal conversations with each other.

This was amply demonstrated by an almost insignificant incident in the life of a man whose teaching and example I have so appreciated and from whose life I have learned so much.

Having been teaching and lecturing in College in Hawaii, while approaching 80, a friend gave Derek Prince a first class air ticket to London.

On disembarking from the aircraft at Heathrow, London, one of the flight attendants ran after Derek.

When called, he turned round thinking he had left something aboard the aircraft, only to hear - "Sir, many people pay first class fares, but we do not have many first class people, and we wanted to express our appreciation."

All he done during the long flight was say "please" and "thank you" at the appropriate moments. This did not go unnoticed.

Being appreciative is like the oil that enables society to run a little more smoothly. Many have commented how this characteristic has become quite scarce, with aggressiveness and demanding one's rights coming to the fore.

Almighty God teaches men to be filled with the Holy Spirit and be always giving thanks for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Cultivating being appreciative is frequently encouraged by the writers of the Bible. Jesus was thankful on various occasions, even when about to face crucifixion.

Many have found that thanksgiving and praise are tremendously important - especially if you wish to have a successful and fruitful prayer life.

By thanksgiving, we acknowledge God's goodness, and through praise we acknowledge God's greatness.

Thanksgiving is the joyous duty and responsibility of every disciple of Jesus Christ. Expressing gratitude in all circumstances is not an easy challenge, but the grace of God will enable you to be thankful.

Give thanks to God, and give thanks to people.

Each time you say "Thank you" you might just be dropping a little oil into someone's life, which will help smooth their day. I have discovered that some people can go from strength to strength in their workplace for a whole week on receiving one word of thanks and appreciation.

Leaders, heads of departments, and business executives, need to know this. A word of thanks will not only surprise the recipient but can motivate and inspire that individual in a way you never dreamed possible.

Speak a word of thanks and appreciation and watch the change in that individual.

Sandy Shaw

Sandy Shaw is Pastor of Nairn Christian Fellowship, Chaplain at Inverness Prison, and Nairn Academy, and serves on The Children's Panel in Scotland, and has travelled extensively over these past years teaching, speaking, in America, Canada, South Africa, Australia, making 12 visits to Israel conducting Tours and Pilgrimages, and most recently in Uganda and Kenya, ministering at Pastors and Leaders Seminars, in the poor areas surrounding Kampala, Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu.

He broadcasts regularly on WSHO radio out of New Orleans, and writes a weekly commentary at http://www.studylight.org entitled "Word from Scotland" on various biblical themes, as well as a weekly newspaper column.

His M.A. and B.D. degrees are from The University of Edinburgh, and he continues to run and exercise regularly to maintain a level of physical fitness.

Sandy Shaw
sandyshaw63ATyahoo.com