Earlier this year, my wife and I went to a benefit sale at a local church. As things were winding down, one of the volunteers said she had to leave which prompted the pastor to raise his voice and lay a guilt trip on her. Even after she said she had to study for an exam on Monday, he told her that volunteers were supposed to be there for the entire time, and that included clean up.
There were plenty of people to help out, from what I could see. I thought what ever happened to “we’re glad you could give us the time you were able to. Good luck on your exam.” As she walked out the front door of the church he got in one last parting snide remark. I’m sure that showed her. How’s that for gratitude? That pastor wasn’t demonstrating at all what I’m sure he preached to his congregation on Sundays.
This incident made me think, “do I appreciate people in my life enough?” Here are 5 ways I show gratitude:
1) Be thankful for what life gives you.
We are not guaranteed anything. I’m better off than a lot of people in this world. My struggles aren’t the same as someone who can’t find clean water to drink, or who has to worry about finding a place to sleep for the night. I’ve been downsized from a job but it didn’t destroy me; it ended up being a blessing because it opened me to other possibilities. I’m thankful for the life I’m living, right now, at this moment. Not the one in some future scenario.
2) Be thankful when people show up.
No one has to be there for you; this includes your family. If someone wants to be with you, cheer for you, comfort you, or listen to you, accept it as a gift. They have their own life and issues to worry about and they set those aside when they’re with you. I’m lucky to have the people in my life that I do.
3) Appreciate any and all help.
People who go even further, those people that stick their neck out for you, help you, advocate for you, or mentor you are your biggest supporters. Don’t take their time and effort for granted. Never make them feel like they didn’t give enough. I want to be around people like that all the time, but realize that what ever they give me, that’s enough. They don’t need to give anymore than they do.
4) No one owes you anything.
I was taught when I was younger to think of others, to not be selfish, to share. I’m sure a lot of you were brought up that way too. But sometimes people don’t want to share. They don’t have to. I can’t get upset about the things people don’t give me that weren’t mine to begin with. If someone wants to share, that’s great. If they don’t, that’s acceptable. Don’t put your moral upbringing on someone else’s shoulders.
5) Know when it’s time to move on.
I think often about why certain people appeared in my life at certain times. They appeared when I needed them most and then quietly went on their way. I’d like to think they went on to help other people. We gave each other what the other needed and when there was no longer a need we moved on. And that’s okay. The relationship was what it needed to be at that moment.
I have an amazing group of friends and family who have been there for me. Thank you! I’m grateful that you entered my life.
Who are the people in your life that you’re grateful for?
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