Yesterday was a significant day for our local church, as we said farewell to our long-time pastor and his family. Ryan and Robin Yazel have been serving the congregation (Keller Park Church) and the surrounding neighborhood (Keller Park) faithfully for the past 12+ years, and are now transitioning to a new role in the city. And so yesterday, we as a congregation gathered to celebrate and honor all they have done during their time in leadership at the church.

Towards the end of the service, there was a time of prayer for them as they move into this new season of life. In one of the prayers, my friend Joel described the congregation as “feasting on fruits of faithfulness,” a phrase that immediately resonated with me. It was a fitting picture of what was taking place: both the church and neighborhood were enjoying the benefits that came from the dedication and diligence the Yazels and others had demonstrated over the years. They had been faithful then, and we were reaping the fruits of the their labors now.

Reaping the Benefits

You’ve probably seen this same dynamic in other areas. Somebody worked hard and invested in something diligently, and years later others reaped the benefits of their diligence. Perhaps a parent or grandparent who worked tirelessly to provide for and guide their children. Or a teacher or coach who year after year shaped the lives of the students they came in contact with. Or a leader who worked relentlessly to build an organization that would make a small dent in the universe. And eventually, because of their faithfulness to the work, others would reap the benefits of their efforts.

This happens all around us. We all have been benefited by the labors of others, whether we realize it or not. So what should our response be to those whose work we are now reaping the benefits of?

Expressing Gratitude

For me, the most fitting response is to 1) acknowledge the impact they’ve had; and 2) choose to express gratitude for what they’ve done. This could  done through a call or a note or a conversation. It may even be appropriate to give them a gift to help express the appreciation we have for them.

Now, no one is going to force us to do any of these things. But choosing to express our gratefulness does benefit us all in a few ways.

First, doing so keeps us humble. It reminds us that none of us are an island, and that we are interdependent on those around us. Others have had an impact on where we’re at today, just as we have the opportunity to have an impact on others who come after us.

Second, expressing out heartfelt appreciation can encourage and validate those who have gone before us. Given enough time, there are bound to be seasons where it would have been easy to give up, especially if there weren’t visible signs of progress. By expressing our gratitude we can reaffirm to them that their time was not wasted, and their work was not in vain.

Third, public expressions of gratitude can help encourage others to remain faithful in the future. By shining a light on their faithfulness, and the fruit of that faithfulness, we give ourselves and those around us examples that we can look to when we’re tempted to give up. We see the fruit of their diligence, and are encouraged to remain faithful ourselves.

Our Turn

So, as we think about our lives, whose faithfulness and diligence are we reaping the benefits of today? What can we do to express our gratitude to them for what they’ve done?

And where are those places where what we’re doing today will one day be of great benefit to those who come after us? Is what we’re investing in today something that will bring about a feast for those who follow?