New Orleans: Thank you message in the grotto of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church; added by those for whom prayer or miracles were granted (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
I was on my way out the door this morning. Jen grabbed me. She took me by my shoulders. She put me square in front of her. She looked me dead in the eye. And started speaking.
“Thank you for getting Ellie up this morning and starting to feed her.” “Thank you for taking care of Evie.” “Thank you for making the bottles.” “Thank you for making lunches.” “Thank you for putting toothpaste on my toothbrush.” “Thank you for filling my perfume bottle.”My eyes moistened. My breathing changed. She saw me. I became present. We connected.
Jen changed the state of our relationship in under a minute. It didn’t take much effort. It did take focused attention … on the right things.
Life can be trying. The “every day” of every day can feel too frequent and unrelenting. We can get lost in our doing. And lose what others are doing for us. It’s easy to feel under appreciated and to under appreciate.
You don’t owe gratitude. You don’t have to do it. Just like you don’t have to save and invest money. Life will be much richer if you do – for you and those around you.
Say thank you. Be specific. Enjoy the riches.
Jen – Thank you for making me a rich man.Related articles
