Appreciation in the little things

This past week I was thinking about all the Little ways that people say thank you! I just want to say thanks to all who gave the gift this past week for pastors appreciation. I really enjoyed the the mug (though a little small), I was able to have it filled at Starbucks with a double shot espresso that equals four regular cups. Along with the mug my students gave me a card signed by them and filled with encouragement. Those are the gifts that keep you going.

But then there is another way to say thank you that sometimes goes unnoticed, ways to say we like you or appreciate you. You see last week we had the students over to the house after the football game. In the meantime I left my jeep up at the church so that I could drive the van to the game in case students needed a ride. As the night came to a close at around midnight I decided to drive the van back to the church and pick up the jeep. And to my surprise someone had left a little extra appreciation there in the jeep. I believe it was filled with about 4 rolls of toilet paper. I believe they must have cared and watched the weather because they didn't roll it on the outside but on the inside considering it rained that night. I was too tired at that point to take it down at that hour so here I am rolling down the road with a little breeze as toilet paper is blowing in the wind. Thankfully, the top was up considering I passed the local sheriff Just before I got to my street. My thought quickly moved to how would I explain this one to him. "Well officer you see I am a student Minister, Ok Where do you want me to sign?"

Luckily he did not turn around but it was in that moment that though in some strange way it wasn't an act done out of hate (I don't think), but appreciation? In the 10 years of Working with students here at BCC incidents of appreciation such as this is not unique. I have also had my car completely gift wrapped in which my only disappointment was that when I opened it, It was still a Saturn and not a Mustang Cobra. I have also had my car completely plastic wrapped. Let me just say before the parents that read this get too upset, I have my suspicion that this was not an act of teens.

Only God knows, but I only wish I knew so that I could return my token of appreciation to them.