I've recently spent the better part of a week in a hospital where my mother had surgery. It's amazing how exhausted you get while doing very little. Oh, there's the concern, praying, looking over the shoulders of the medical staff, asking questions, yelling at the vending machine that provided coffee though no cup. But mostly there was sitting, standing and waiting.

So I used my spare time people watching-the admission ladies, cafeteria servers and cashiers, volunteers transporting visitors to and from their cars, the chaplain spending time with patients and families, as well as medical aides, social workers, technicians, assistants, nurses, doctors. And I discovered the power held within two words...Thank you.

It's amazing how such simple words literally transformed the people who heard them. They relaxed and smiled. Compassion welled up in their eyes. They offered more help. Perhaps they were reminded of the coldness created when we merely "do our job." One thing was definitely certain-they were encouraged and re-energized.

I also saw those who were not given those words. Hearing complaints, criticism or nothing at all, they visibly grew more weary, resigned to just get through another day. They were mechanical and distant.

Thank you is a powerful phrase. In the book of Deuteronomy, while God lays down rules concerning security given for a loan, specifically if someone gives his cloak or coat, He says, If the man is poor, do not go to sleep with his pledge in your possession. Return his cloak to him by sunset so that he may sleep in it. Then he will thank you... (NIV, vv. 12−13a)

The word for thank can also be translated bless, but the full meaning here goes to both words. It is clear thanking is involved. If you needed money and had to use your only blanket as security, what would you do if the lender allowed you to use it during the night so you wouldn't be cold? Of course, you'd thank him. But where does the blessing come in?

Verse 13 ends, and it will be regarded as a righteous act in the sight of the LORD your God. The blessing comes in knowing that what was done is regarded by God-the Creator of the Universe, our Heavenly Father-as righteousness...a righteous act...the right thing to do. His Spirit speaks to our spirit and says, Well done.

What a wonderful thing it is to encourage someone, often in the simplest of ways. Remember those who do the right thing. It may be their job. They may be volunteers. Doesn't matter. Two little words can change their day, perhaps their lives, encouraging them to encouraging others. Do this. Thank you.