Richard M. DuVoss, one of the cofounders of the Amway Corporation, tells how he purposely rose early one morning to thank his garbage man for his services. Mr. DuVoss did so because the man always was so

punctual, careful, and quiet. The fellow was so shocked that he drove off without saying a word. Mr. DuVoss rose early to meet the same garbage man for three mornings before he got a response. Finally, the

man answered, "In 12 years nobody ever told me they appreciated what I do. You are the first person ever to thank me."

When we practice the art of thanksgiving, we make others feel better and ourselves as well. A little appreciation will go a long way, you never know how it may help someone else. I think we often take things for granted, just as in the story of the garbage man. Just think, what would we do if we didn't have them? There would be a long line at the garbage dump. Fellows that would be kind of rough on those fishing, golfing, and ball game days.

In Budapest, a man goes to the rabbi and complains, "Life is unbearable. There are nine of us living in one room. What can I do?" The rabbi answers, "Take your goat into the room with you." The man in suspicion, but the rabbi insists. "Do as I say and come back in a week."

A week later the man comes back looking more distraught than before. "We cannot stand it," he tells the rabbi. "The goat is filthy." The rabbi then tells him, "Go home and let the goat out. And come back in a week." A radiant man returns to the rabbi a week later, exclaiming, "Life is beautiful. We enjoy every minute of it now that there's no goat -- only the nine of us." Life is like this, we begin to look at all the bad things, and we forget to notice the good things around us. People are like this, there is good in everyone. It just takes a little more effort to see it in some.

Then we should never forget to tell God just how much we appreciate him for giving his son Jesus that we might be saved from our sins. It doesn't take but a minute. But sadly there are so many that never stop and thank him for even the little things in life. These are the things that we take for granted. Today take a look at everything around you, even the little things. Maybe a kind neighbor, a pet, the birds and squirrels in your feeders, flowers, a coworker, your automobile, your job, the things in your home, a good warm bed, your family, your health, and on and on we could go. What if you didn't have these things? Let me share a story of a man that waited too late. Two men were walking through a field one day when they spotted an enraged bull. Instantly they darted toward the nearest fence. The storming bull followed in hot pursuit, and it was soon apparent they wouldn't make it. Terrified, the one shouted to the other, "Put up a prayer, John. We're in for it!" John answered, "I can't. I've never made a public prayer in my life."

"But you must!" implored his companion. "The bull is catching up to us."