Each year when Relay for Life ends, we kind of like to wrap up the event with a thank you….just to let everyone know that your efforts were appreciated.
This year I’m finding that “thank you” is easy to say – but gratitude is actually hard to express.
Normally words flow on to the page for me…..it’s almost second nature. Those of you who know me well know that I am NEVER at a loss for words. I like to give my opinion – even if my vote doesn’t count. But my words just don’t seem to be enough this year. Thank you seems mediocre. Thank you seems such a lame way to tell you that you touched lives in ways you can’t even imagine. Thank you is plain vanilla ice cream.
But – what I want to tell you is – the way you demonstrated your love for cancer survivors that you don’t even know – is more like a 12 scoop, hunka-chunka-peanut butter fudge, over the top, banana split, smothered in hot fudge, with extra whipped cream, sprinkles, and – not one – but TWO cherries (Skip the peanuts of you are allergic) sundae.
Other churches are amazed by the fact that EVERYONE at actionchurch gets involved – not just at Relay, but each week at church or in small groups. I can’t tell you the number of conversations I’ve had with friends wanting to know how we do it. They can’t believe that people in their 70’s volunteer in the nursery. Parents I talk to find it hard to believe that our kids and teens serve others in need with such willingness and joy. And they marvel at the fact that we turn out in numbers – mass quantities of people of all ages in actionchurch tshirts – to serve cancer survivors in the muck and rain.
We don’t have a magic formula. There is no secret strategy. It is simply YOU. More and more of you are arriving at these events – ready – willing – and able – to love God, love people and take action.
So – for being YOU – I want to simply say – “THANKS” ….sincerely, genuinely, affectionately …..with utmost gratitude …..deep from the bottom of my heart (insert hot fudge sauce here) – for making Relay 2015 a truly memorable event.
“I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.” Ephesians 1:16