Motivational Mondays in the Marketplace™
The One “Thank You” That Keeps You Going
By Dr. Kathy L. Amos
Have you ever wondered whether your work is really making a difference?
As leaders, business owners, mentors, and ministry leaders, we often pour into others without ever knowing the impact of our investment. We encourage, recognize, and create opportunities for people, then move on to the next assignment. Most of the time, we never hear the rest of the story.
Jesus experienced this in Luke 17:15–19 when He healed ten men with leprosy. Only one returned to say, “Thank you.” Jesus asked, “Where are the other nine?” That question reminds us that gratitude is often the exception rather than the rule.
Recently, I experienced my own “one came back” moment.
A young man invited me to attend his inaugural Barber and Beauty Summit on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. He simply said he wanted to thank me for honoring him during the inaugural Best of Mississippi Awards Crowns & Clippers Gala.
When I arrived, I discovered he had prepared a special award for me. As he presented it, he shared something I had never known. He told the audience that I was the first person to honor him after he was released from prison.
His words deeply moved me.
What he did not know was that I had been praying about whether to continue building the Barber and Beauty Division of the Chamber. I had grown weary and was questioning whether my efforts were making a difference.
God answered my prayer through one grateful heart.
That young man’s appreciation reminded me that we never truly know how God is using our obedience to change someone’s life. Sometimes the seed you plant today becomes the hope someone else needs tomorrow.
If you are feeling discouraged, remember this: your assignment is not measured by applause but by obedience. Keep serving. Keep encouraging. Keep honoring others. Even if only one person returns to say, “Thank you,” that one testimony may be God’s way of reminding you that your labor is not in vain.
You may not hear from the other nine, but never underestimate the power of the one who comes back.
Dr. Kathy L. Amos is the Founder of the KACC Firm, LLC, a leadership coaching and consulting firm dedicated to developing transformational leaders, and Founder of Turning Point Fellowship Ministries International. Learn more at www.businessempoweredintl.com/KACC-FIRM and www.turningpointfmi.com. The Chapel is open to the public Monday through Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Text for an appointment at 601-594-2330.
