Norman Vincent Peale published The Power of Positive Thinking in 1952. But it’s only more recently that we’re learning about the destructive power of negative thinking.

A few years ago, an author cornered me at a publishing conference to complain about his agent, gripe about his publicist, and grumble about his publisher. It was beyond awkward. I tried to change the subject, but he persisted.

Maybe you’ve had a similar experience. I was trapped, and I couldn’t escape!

Some people are relentlessly negative. It’s like they derive their significance from feeling wronged, put upon, and persecuted. You know what it’s like to be around people like this. Everyone is an idiot but them. Nobody can do anything right. Life is rigged.

Whatever satisfaction people get from being negative, I hope it’s enough—because it’s about the only benefit they’re getting. Meanwhile, it’s costing them plenty.

The first responsibility of a leader is to define reality. The last is to say thank you. In between the two, the leader must become a servant and a debtor. ~ Max Depree

Leaders must define reality, create urgency, and guide teams in a direction. But leaders must also say, “thank you.” They must continually express gratitude to those who are serving alongside them, who are working hard to advance the mission. Without thankfulness, the team culture grows cold and people can feel used. Surely financial support is one way to express appreciation, but here are five other ways to say “thank you”:

Saying “thank you” with specificity helps people know their work is noticed. To acknowledge their unique contribution shows you know what they do, that you understand their commitment. Affirming team members in front of other team members shows appreciation and also helps build a culture of gratitude.

Handwritten notes and personal emails can go a long way in helping people understand how much you appreciate them. Peyton Manning, for example, has sent handwritten letters to certain NFL players upon their retirement, and the players have expressed how much they have treasured those simple notes.

It is one of the saddest effects of the fall that over time the greatest wonders in the world become routine. The first day among the Alps we are speechless with wonder. By the end of the week, we’re playing video games. This reality is a great human tragedy.

So it is with the Bible. It is an immeasurable wonder that God has given us an inspired book containing the truth about himself and his ways and what he wills for our lives. If it had not been around for two thousand years, stocked in every bookstore, found in hotel drawers, courtrooms, mobile apps — if it arrived today, we would either write it off as a ludicrous myth, or we would bow down in worship and scarcely dare to touch it.

As you watch this video, ask God to restore the wonder.

God’s handiwork in the heavens is telling the glory of God (Psalm 19:1). God’s Son, by the incarnation, is showing the glory of God (John 1:14). God’s act at Calvary reveals the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ (2 Corinthians 4:4).