As I write this, the Thanksgiving holiday is fast approaching.  Soon Thanksgiving will have passed and our focus will shift to the traditional year-end holidays and related festivities.

But before we rush through the holiday, let’s remember that Thanksgiving is supposed to be a time when we stop to take inventory of the many things for which are thankful.  Our grateful spirit should extend past the obvious - roast turkey, pecan pie and football.  Instead, we should seriously consider the opportunities and blessings that we have received and then acknowledge them for what they truly are.

But do we really?  Past experience has taught that we can be “busy” (a good state for most of us) and then we can be “too busy.”  When we get too busy, often we thoughtlessly ignore the more important things (or people) that deserve recognition for what they are and for what they are worth to us.

Case in point. A few years ago I found myself in one of our western U.S. cities preparing to present a full day leadership program.  I arrived early for the session which was being held in that city’s convention center.  So early, in fact, the entire facility seemed to be deserted.

After familiarizing myself with the room in which I would be working, I took the opportunity to make a quick trip to the men’s room.  As I stepped through the restroom door, the smell hit me.  It was immediately noticeable.  But, it was not the type of smell that many of us have come to expect from public restrooms.  No, instead this aroma could be described as being remarkably “fresh and clean.”

I continued in, only to find that the smell was a positive indicator of more good things to come.  The room was spotless!  Now, don’t misunderstand.  It was not adorned with the expensive marble and tile floor and wall coverings that are often found in some of the showplace hotels.  No, this was a public facility.  Its basic construction was of concrete blocks covered with enamel paint.  Nevertheless, the sinks, counter tops, urinals, toilets, floors and walls were so clean it was impossible not to notice. 

As I stood admiring this unexpected phenomenon, I sensed someone’s presence.  In a far corner of the room, I noticed a middle aged man with mop in hand.  Now, I am not the smartest guy around, but I quickly surmised that this gentleman might have something to do with this amazing restroom.  I decided to find out.

“Excuse me, but are you responsibility for cleaning this restroom?”

The man slowly raised his head, while continuing to lean forward on the mop handle.  He looked at me suspiciously.

“Yeah, why?” he responded, with an obvious note of defensiveness in his voice.

“I figured you were.  I just wanted you to know how much I appreciate the clean bathroom.”

The man stared at me in silence for a few seconds, obviously trying to determine my level of sincerity.

“For real?” he finally asked.

“For real” I responded.  “I travel several days a week and end up using other people’s restrooms more than my own.  Too often, they are simply disgusting.  I couldn’t help but notice what a great job you’ve done with this one.  I just wanted you to know that I appreciate it.”

By now, convinced of my sincerity, the man responded by saying something that I will not soon forget.  Looking directly into my eyes, he said, “Thanks, I really appreciate that you noticed.”  Then he added, “Nobody has ever told me that before.”

Once again, I was amazed, but this time for a different reason.  My immediate thought was, “Where is this man’s leader?”

Me, a total stranger, recognizing this man for a job well done was one thing.  But, can you imagine the impact that a similar sentiment would have coming from the lips of his leader?

I encourage you as leaders, during this time of the year when the words “thanks” and “giving” are so commonly heard, to not be so busy that you don’t make the time to publicly acknowledge those followers who, in your heart, you know you are thankful for.

Praise and recognition are two gifts that keep on giving.