The Power of Thanks

by Erin Bird

Wow, what a day we had this past Sunday celebrating Easter & Riverwood's 5th birthday! We got to enjoy an amazing breakfast, be together as a church family, warmly welcome several first-time guests, and most of all, worship the Resurrected Jesus together. It doesn't get much better than that!

While there were MANY highlights to this past Easter morning for me, one was the number of people who told me in person or via text or email how much God has used the Riverwood family in their life. It is so encouraging to know God is using our growing church family to help you (and others just like you) grow spiritually, no matter where they are in their spiritual journey. And we've only just begun! I am so excited for what the future holds for Riverwood, for the people we are going to touch, for the ways we are going to grow spiritually and numerically, for the changes God will bring us, and for the amazing days awaiting us as we follow Jesus by faith into the future.

Thankfulness Leads to Joy

But while many of you gushed your thanks to me for obeying God and starting Riverwood, I found myself overflowing with thanks for those who helped make the morning so special. My heart was gushing gratitude for everyone who decorated Droste Hall, made the amazing food, led us in worship through music, sacrificially led the kids back in Kids Creek, built the new wood-wall backdrop for the stage, and even sent in a video to wish the Riverwood family "happy birthday."

And all of this thankfulness got me thinking...

There is a power to thankfulness. As many of you told me "thank you," I found myself filled with humbled joy. And as my heart burst forth with thanksgiving for everyone who made Sunday so special, again I discovered that same humbled joy.

A grateful heart leads to joy. There is joy-filled power inside the words "thank you," whether you are giving it or receiving it.

And so if I could give you an assignment: tell someone thank you this week. You could:

• send a card,
• shoot them a text,
• give them a plate of cookies,
• or just say a hearty in-person "thank you."

As you do so, it will not only fill you with joy as you express your thanks, but will fill them with joy to know their efforts, time, and energy was noticed.