Expressions of Gratitude

The two words ‘Thank You’ are so simple. At only two syllables, it’s easy to say.

Try it – just say Thank You.  Easy, right?

And yet, it often feels insufficient to express how we really feel. We want to DO more.

Yesterday I was extremely privileged to be on the receiving end of many different expressions of gratitude.

They moved me to tears.

Let me explain.

After leading a diverse group of eight people through a study of John Maxwell’s book “The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership” we decided to celebrate the end of our 8-week session with a group lunch. This seemed like a nice, simple conclusion to our weekly meetings. What I didn’t expect were the many expressions of gratitude.

It started with the surprise presentation of a cake, with those two simple, yet beautiful words ‘Thank You’ inscribed in the icing.

But then came the wrapped gift.

A Special Thank You Gift

Oh my!

One of the participants is a very talented art director who used his extraordinary skills to create not just a gift, but also a unique experience. Using the many key words from the 21 Laws of Leadership (from Maxwell’s book) he custom designed wrapping paper that covered the lid on a thin box. This one-of-a-kind gift box was simply perfect. Even the design of the card on the box with my name followed the same design as the book.

When I lifted off the top cover of the box an oversized card was waiting for me. The design of the card matched the book cover design, with the words inscribed: “We Now Know the Most Irrefutable Law of Leadership” and inside the card it read “22 – The Law of Robert Ferguson” followed by a list of names of the group members.

Creativity with words can be half the experience.

Also inside this card was a custom-made gift certificate to a renowned restaurant, addressed to Robert & Lori with the words “Executive Retreat.” Very nice.

Talk about going above and beyond.

Also inside the box, and under the oversized card, was another wrapped box, using the same matching handcrafted wrapping paper. A gift box inside a gift box heightens the anticipation of opening the gift. It makes it fun and extends the excitement.

Once I carefully opened this smaller box (I just had to preserve the paper…) I discovered a handsome Mont Blanc pen, inscribed with my name on it. It even came with a 110-page instruction manual. Wow.

I was speechless.

Then, if these expressions of gratitude weren’t enough, it became personal.

One by one, each person then presented me with a book. But not just any book. It was “their book” – something that had made a real impact on them. Each person was sharing with me something very personal, something quite intangible, and something most invaluable.  This was truly priceless.

Again, each book had a hand-made card taped to it – following the same design as the oversized card- with their name on it, for me to remember them. These moved me to tears.

A true expression of love

Expressions of gratitude require thought and effort. They are not just about volume. A presentation of eight pens or eight books wouldn’t have been the same. They are not just about diversity. Each person could have presented me something different. No, it’s much more.

You can tell when someone or group of people have put the thought and effort into designing the overall experience of thankfulness. An expression of true gratitude contains the intangible element of love.

On this day, eight very special people showed me true love.

This expression of gratitude lasts forever.