Thankfulness is a virtue we often ignore.

Sometimes we get so caught up in our own little world we forget to thank people who have helped us the most. Then there are people who simply need thanking to help them feel better about their own situation.

Everyone likes to be appreciated.

I thought I would use my platform to encourage a little thankfulness.

Here are 25 people you could easily thank today:

—A family member who holds the family together.

—The parent who paved your way.

—The person who gave you a start in your career.

—Someone who encourages you that you only know online.

—A random stranger God lays on your heart.

—An often unnoticed, but vital part of society – such as the custodian, street worker, truck driver, or garbage collector.

—A friend who was there when you needed one most.

—A pastor who helped shape your understanding of God.

—The person you know who prays for you regularly.

—The person who waits on you every day—somewhere—although you may not even know their name.

—A politician you admire for doing the right thing — as best you can tell.

—The unexpected person who was there for you at just the right time in your life; who said just the right thing you needed to hear.

—A person who may not receive encouragement from anyone else—or you think is underappreciated.

—A leader you've admired—maybe one who helped shape your view of leadership.

—Someone who has invested in you and may not even know it.

—The person who has been the most patient with you.

—Someone who believed in you when no one else did.

—An emergency services professional — police, fire, military and so forth.

—Your childhood best friend.

—The person who introduced you to the person you married.

—A teacher or professor who encouraged you to be a better student or person.

—Someone who inspires you with something they do well.

—Someone who was a good friend to your parents.

—The medical personnel who helped you when you were sick.

—Someone who has a smile that encourages you.

These are a few suggestions. I'm sure you have many more.

What I Would Suggest

• Send a card. (Handwritten notes are awesome — and rare.)
• Write an email.
• Make a phone call.
• Plan a personal visit.
• Or simply say "thanks".

But, however you do so, say thank you.

By the way, if you can't thank the person anymore, thank their family. Can you imagine how encouraging that would be?

Ron Edmondson is the CEO of Leadership Network. Previously, he was a pastor, revitalizing two churches and planting two churches. He loves assisting pastors and those in ministry think through leadership, strategy and life.

This article originally appeared at ronedmondson.com.

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