Thanksgiving gives us the chance to celebrate family traditions. I come from a small family and all my relatives live out of state. So each year we enjoyed a small, quiet, quaint, traditional Thanksgiving holiday.

My husband, however, comes from a large, East Texas family with many relatives who all live within a couple hours of one another. Each Thanksgiving is a mini-family reunion complete with fellowship, fun and delicious food.

I remember the first Thanksgiving I spent with his family. I looked around the table wide-eyed, amazed at all the people gathered in one house to celebrate family and tradition. Everyone talked loudly, quickly and all at the same time. No one heard anything anyone else said because they all were too busy talking themselves. Some might consider this type of conversation rude. But not me. I relished the joyful chaos.

I don’t think I have ever told my husband’s family how much I enjoy their Thanksgiving traditions. It makes me wonder, how often do we actually tell those around us what they mean to us? How often do we show our gratitude for those in our own lives?

Paul, the first missionary and author of 13 of the 27 books in the New Testament, seized many opportunities to let people know how much they meant to him. While in prison, he wrote three letters to fellow Christians living in Ephesus, Philippi and Colosse. First, Paul writes to thank these people because, essentially, they all play on the same team. They all fight for one cause . . . the cause of Christ.

“Ever since I first heard of your strong faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for God’s people everywhere, I have not stopped thanking God for you. I pray for you constantly.” (Eph 1:15-16, NLT)

Think about the people in your life. Your co-workers, family, friends and neighbors. Are you living for one purpose? One mission? If you share a common interest or passion, let them know how much you appreciate their fervor and dedication.

For example, if you volunteer at an animal shelter, let the other volunteers know how much you value their dedication to the animals. If you run a small company, take this opportunity to thank your employees for their loyalty and hard work.

Paul also writes words of encouragement to the people because they have encouraged him with their own faith. I doubt many of us in the Bible belt of Waco, home to more than 300 places of worship, feel persecuted because of our faith. Yet in the early church, believing in the gospel could lead to death.

Paul wrote these three letters while in prison, held captive because of his faith. When someone such as Paul relinquishes his personal freedom for a cause, he needs encouragement. The Ephesians, Philippians and Colossians gave him that encouragement. And Paul returned the favor through his letters.

These fellow believers also encouraged Paul by the way they ministered to other people. Paul writes: “For we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and your love for all of God’s people . . . this same Good News that came to you is going out all over the world. It is bearing fruit everywhere by changing lives, just as it changed your lives from the day you first heard and understood the truth about God’s wonderful grace.” (Co 1:4-6, NLT)

We all need reassurance that we are on the right track in life

. . . that how we live daily matters to others. Paul offers this reassurance by telling the people that God will not abandon them. He will continue to work in their hearts and through their lives.

“Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy, for you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now. And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.” (Php 1:3-6, NLT)

Who have you encouraged lately — whether through words, a personal note, an e-mail, or even a quick text? Think about someone in your own life who needs to know that they matter, that they make a difference in the world. Encourage them that their life is worthy and valuable. When you encourage someone, you will reap the benefits by feeling encouraged yourself.

We think telling those around us how much we appreciate them feels awkward, strange or embarrassing. Yet Thanksgiving season is the perfect opportunity to let people know the difference they make in your life. Take advantage of this time of year by expressing your gratitude. Your kind words of thanks and encouragement will bless someone for the year to come.

Elizabeth Oates (B.A. Baylor University; M.A.C.E. Dallas Theological Seminary) is a wife, mother and freelance writer. She and her husband, Brandon, founded Project Restoration Ministry. For more information on Elizabeth’s Bible study curriculum, Dealing with Divorce: Finding Directon When Your Parents Split Up, or to e-mail her, go to www.projectrestorationministry.org.