How many times do I think, “I’m so glad he did that,” and then before I can say thank you, life happens and distract me? The “thank you” goes unspoken because:

• The dog throws up
• I leave for a meeting
• His phone rings
• There’s a homework question
• He does something I’m not so glad about …

But it feeds a man’s soul to hear our appreciation. A little man, a young man, or an older man. Since appreciation sounds like a love song to the fellas in our lives, how much music in your guy’s life?

Gratitude has power

When I taught first grade, words of appreciation flitted around my classroom like fireflies in June. I worked hard to train myself to notice good behavior and verbally affirm it frequently, individually, publicly, and genuinely. My mentors taught me that I would get what I affirmed, and they were right. Some of my little boys, in particular, didn’t miss an opportunity to serve a classmate, offer me help, or just generally be heroic. “Catch them doing good,” my mentors would tell me. I discovered that “thank you” is a powerful tool in shaping a relationship with a boy, and the same goes when he grows into a man. 

Gratitude for brothers

Gratitude builds throughout God’s truth. Words of appreciation for others litter the apostles’ letters, though most words of appreciation are directed to God Himself. Thanks wells up for others in response to good deeds that reveal growing faith and love. “We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers, as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing,” (2 Thessalonians 1:3). Do you see the guys in your life, young or old, as your “brothers?” Even my son, my husband, and my father are my brother’s in Christ.  I am blessed. Our shared faith makes them my brothers. But the principle holds true for those guys in my life who are not yet my brothers in faith, so don’t assume this doesn’t apply to you.  God wants gratitude to build in us through His truth.

Look for the growing faith and love in the men in your life, and say “thank you” when you see it. Not sure you’ll find something worthy of gratitude? Ask God to show you something you can affirm, and don’t be afraid to start small. Then stand back and watch the power of learning to thank him.

How have you seen the faith and love of your boy/man increasing today?