• Pastor Gerrit Mes of the AFM Pentecostal Fellowship writes:

As a child, my mom always reminded me to have a handkerchief and always to say thank you.

Recently I stopped to spend a bit of time looking back on my life. In my heart, saying thank you to an army of people who made me who I am. My parents, my friends and total strangers who sowed into my life.

My dad was a student at Krugersdorp High School. I spent four years at Krugersdorp High School. My children both matriculated at Krugersdorp High School. The names and faces of many of my teachers are still fresh in my mind. Human nature is to focus on the bad teachers in our lives, but the truth is that most of my teachers were good teachers that added value to who I am today. Even my English teacher who gave me 4 out of 10 for my essay. Yes, I cheated.

The next essay my mom, a professional writer, wrote for me. I was so excited when she only got 5 out of 10. Today we laugh at these things. Looking back over my shoulder at my life, I realise the one who deserves a thank you every day is God.

Not just for all he has done for me, but for always being there. Who can you say thank you for today? Make a list of quiet appreciation.