Are you thoughtful?

Who do you know that you would describe as thoughtful? I may think about doing something for somebody, but often that is far as it goes. A good intention, but no action. The thought is good but actually showing them you care is even better. Steven Furtick has written a couple of blogs recently about thoughtfulness. He was talking about systematized and spontaneous thoughtfulness. Both are important. Taking the time plan to do things for someone (systematized) shows they are important to you. For example, say you know someone who likes a certain type of coffee. What if you marked it on your calendar to bring them a cup of their favorite coffee one morning in the next month. You take the good thought and plan it out. Doesn't really require much of your time, but it shows how much you value that person. We usually have good intentions, it is just the follow through that requires some help. How can you plan today to show thoughtfulness to those you care about? Plan to take them a cup of coffee, write them a note, babysit their kids so they can have a date night - put it on your calender today and make the plan.

Spontaneous thoughtfulness is even easier in my mind. It is doing right then. No advance planning necessary. Steven summarize it like this - "If you see a need, meet it. If you think a thought of affirmation, give voice to it. If you have a kind idea, implement it." Who do you know that could some spontaneous thoughtfulness today? Don't wait, show it now. We don't hesitate to point out where people fall short, or criticize the way things are done, let's be even quicker to express the good we think. Start looking for opportunities to be thoughtful and I bet you will start seeing ways to impact people every day. Have a good day being thoughtful!