As the year is gradually going to an end, there is always the need to evaluate our leadership work and give God thanks due Him for helping us in many ways. We need to know that showing gratitude to God shouldn't be a compulsion; but a necessity. As a matter of fact, giving of thanks or being grateful is a sacrifice we must always carry out; in our homes, works, families and leadership.
Gratitude has to be authentic and heartfelt in order to make impact on the person been given. So it must not be seen as as an obligation; it is “the right thing to say and do”. One thing you must know is this: whenever people express gratitude, not only do they benefit from the recognition of something or somebody that makes a positive difference in their lives, but by that gesture they also set themselves on another platform to receive more of whatever it was in the first place.
Taking this a level deeper, demonstrations of gratitude are energizing for the recipient and fulfilling for the giver. When people feel truly appreciated for their contributions, results and actions, they give their best, and higher levels of performance are unleashed. So, you can imagine how God; the maker of heaven and the earth will be feeling now. God does not joke with a thankful attitude from us. The more thankful we are, the more blessing, grace and outpouring of the Spirit will be release upon us. Gratitude creates an atmosphere that makes God compelled to do beyond what He may intend to do. A heart full of praise is a heart that will be raised in destiny. It was Apostle Bank Jefferson who said that, “If you are thankful, your tank will be full”. When you are grateful for what God has done; you are simply getting ready for the next blessings to be released on you. Gratitude will create an atmosphere for you that can never be polluted.
The role of leaders in creating such an environment is fundamental. It takes self-confidence, humility and awareness of God’s faithfulness over your life and work to admit His divine ability is ALL that is responsible for the success, or progress you have seen so far. No leader who truly understands the intricacies of leading will ignore the place of thanksgiving. To lead people without your leadership boat capsizing in the turbulent waters of 365 days must be a miracle! It could only be God who has stood by you all through the year. No doubt, God has assisted you in no small measure. That is the more reason you must appreciate Him. And let me advice you – never thank God only for yourself as a leader; but also for everyone that worked with you in the course of this outgoing year – your team in the work place, your clients in the market place, and for the organization you lead or represents. No matter their frailties, one way or the other they have helped you to achieve something again this year. We can only hope it gets better in the coming year. The America nation can tell you better what thanksgiving really means. They so understood it that that legislated to make it a day separated to God for appreciation. No wonder; they keep flourishing because they are have committed themselves to giving God His due - irrespective of their waywardness; lousiness; pride etc. But because they have learnt how to give god Hi due; He will keep having mercy on them.
So, as we gradually draw the curtain of 2011, pause and have a reflection. Reflect on God who deserves your praise of gratitude (2 Samuel 22: 4), not only for the things He does; the things He is doing; and the things He will do. But for WHOM HE IS in your life. This the more reason why you mus show gratitude for His grace; mercy, loving kindness; strength; wisdom; provision and good health in this out going year.
THANK YOU DEAR LORD - it's been you; without you, the story would have been different.
