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Thanking the Shapers of Our Lives

Decision Making· Mindset

5 Mar

One reason, former procrastinators, that I put off writing a thank you is that my heart is so full. This is especially true when someone has long been deeply significant in my life or was used briefly in a significant way.  I don’t know what to say or how to say it.  There’s so much I could say that it seems too much for a letter.  Or I figure what was important to me would be viewed as insignificant by someone else.  I think, “I really should express my gratitude for his or her influence, but…” and so I put it off.  Does this sound like you?

By expressing our gratitude we can bring the other person encouragement, insight, joy, peace, and the wonderful discovery that he or she has been used by the Lord in a lasting way. We also share joy together and a deeper connection with them and others.

Let’s thank those people who have influenced us greatly and helped to shape our lives.

My parents and a couple of teachers were huge influences on me, but I began to benefit from others in college. A local couple took me and other students underwing.  They helped us get rooted and grounded in the Christian faith through scriptural teaching and including us in their lives.  A series of young men lead Bible studies; one sacrificed hours of time to drive to us weekly.

When the Air Force moved my husband and me sixteen times, the Lord provided good teaching and fellowship in every place. Some of those folks were just for a particular time and location.  Others became lifelong friends whose visions, understanding, counsel, examples, love, and prayers continue to shape us.  We value them beyond measure.

Whether you had one-on-one discipleship or not, there are people God has used to help shape your life. A pastor, Sunday School teacher, school teacher, professor, employer, fellow employee, friend, relative, author whose book you read or song you treasure.  Ponder what you have learned from that person and the ways you have benefitted because of him or her.  They have been instruments of God in your life.

Maybe it was a recipe and a happy memory, a deep study of a book of scripture, a silent vigil while you grieved, faithful prayers on your behalf. Maybe these phrases will help jumpstart your ponderings and help you write a letter of gratitude.

Because of your…, I have the confidence to…

You helped me learn to… / You taught me to…

I remember your words of wisdom about…

I often recall your…

I share your words with others when…

God used you to …

Your prayers have helped me to…

In you and your family, I saw…

Let’s thank God for those people He’s used – and thank those people.

Enjoy considering God’s instrumental people in your life. Who will you bless with a letter?

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4 Comments

« Expressing Thanks
Giving Up to Gain »

Comments

  1. Patty Whelpley says

    March 5, 2018 at 7:51 am

    This is fantastic! Thank you so much for the reminder to write more thank you in Kay life! I love that you have personal examples!!

    Reply
    • Beth Sterne says

      March 5, 2018 at 3:48 pm

      Patty, I’m glad this is helpful. Enjoy thinking about your blessings and expressing thanks. You are a blessing yourself!

      Reply
  2. Phyllis Sergent says

    March 5, 2018 at 9:08 am

    What an excellent idea! Furthermore, it has always helped me to encourage others when I need encouragement myself. “Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.” Proverbs 11:25

    Reply
  3. Beth Sterne says

    March 5, 2018 at 3:54 pm

    This is good counsel, Phyllis. “Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.” You must be well-watered! Thank you!

    Reply

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BETH STERNE
Welcome! It's great to have you here. I'm a follower of Christ and a learner of new ways. By His grace, I am gaining victory over procrastination. This is where I share struggles I face and lessons I'm learning. Join me and other sisters as we put off procrastination and put on peace.

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"Beth’s procrastination talk led me to understand procrastination as a heart issue in need of God’s restoration not just a change of my ways. Beth’s personal experiences helped me discover practical ways to attack my own procrastination. As a result I have become a more loving wife, mother and friend who is able to use the gifts God has given me more fully. I highly endorse this talk and would love to hear it again and again."
https://putoffprocrastination.com/testimonials/julia-f/
“Beth’s presentation on procrastination was truly eye-opening. I knew I had a problem with procrastination, but never thought twice about how it impacted my relationships and showed God that I wasn’t onboard with His plan. I began to see each instance took away from being fruitful; I was living for myself! After this revelation, I have been working on procrastinating less. I can see places opening up in my life for more peaceful moments, more time with and for friends and family, and more time for God’s plan to unfold. It’s amazing to know there’s more to life for me than a life full of “should haves” as a result of procrastination.”

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Carole S.

“Beth’s presentation on procrastination was truly eye-opening. I knew I had a problem with procrastination, but never thought twice about how it impacted my relationships and showed God that I wasn’t onboard with His plan. I began to see each instance took away from being fruitful; I was living for myself! After this revelation, I have been working on procrastinating less. I can see places opening up in my life for more peaceful moments, more time with and for friends and family, and more time for God’s plan to unfold. It’s amazing to know there’s more to life for me than a life full of “should haves” as a result of procrastination.”
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“After Beth came and shared about procrastination, many realized that it is possible through the Lord's power to stop putting off what God has called us to do. One mother finally started a blog and another posted a ladies; tea for her church months in advance so that ...she would not put off having it. Although I thought I was not someone who procrastinates, I realized I had some relationships that I needed to work on. Procrastination, I learned, is not just about getting things turned in on time, it's about listening to God and doing what He says to do when He tells you to and obeying God's Word.”

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Rebecca F.

“After Beth came and shared about procrastination, many realized that it is possible through the Lord's power to stop putting off what God has called us to do. One mother finally started a blog and another posted a ladies; tea for her church months in advance so that ...she would not put off having it. Although I thought I was not someone who procrastinates, I realized I had some relationships that I needed to work on. Procrastination, I learned, is not just about getting things turned in on time, it's about listening to God and doing what He says to do when He tells you to and obeying God's Word.”
https://putoffprocrastination.com/testimonials/rebecca-f/
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Beth Sterne - Put Off Procrastination
Go to the ant, you sluggard;
consider its ways and be wise! It has
no commander, no overseer or ruler,
yet it stores its provisions in summer
and gathers its food at harvest.
Proverbs 6:6-8
... you have put off the old man with
his deeds, and have put on the new
man who is renewed in knowledge
according to the image of Him who
created him.
Colossians 3:9-10

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