Notes On Gratitude

"When people got used to be comforted when they wallowed on their pains, they forget that the blanket that covers them gets worn out and get ripped into threads. But they never really noticed, 'til the thread snaps leaving the blanket into strain of threads...and then they have none."

I got those words from my BFF a couple of months back. That was when she was downtrodden after she felt that the people to whom she devoted a lot of time and energy with, and not to mention resources, seemed to have left her at the time she felt so weak, so helpless, and so alone.

She was their little big sister, their confidant, their defender, their crying shoulder. She stood by them when everyone else didn't and stayed with them til they grew their own wings and was able to fly. And so they did. And then there's none but her.

"At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us." ~ Albert Schweitzer
 
People get to be too complacent with their security blankets. They dwell too much on the thought that they have something, or someone, to turn to to alleviate their worries, failures, disappointments and pains, So much so that often times, they lose touch of their self-esteem and their capacity to see and do things alone...just by themselves. And once they got the best of themselves, once they learned the ropes of life, the blanket is left of no use...often left taken for granted or worse, discarded.

How many of us remember that teacher in our grade school who went out of her way and schedules just to make sure you understand your lessons? How about that old neighbor who never gets tired of listening to your stories, no matter how far-fetched they may be just so you'll be kept company because your parents aren't home yet? How about that classmate from whom you owe your homework, projects, and even answers on your exam? That P.A. or secretary or utility in your office, have you given them anything to appreciate their effort of being your "shock absorber" during stressful moments in your office?

Never forget to acknowledge even the littlest of efforts that people has done for you. It doesn't mean that we have to be indebted or be obliged to return that goodness. At least, the thought of us appreciating their efforts and at some point being there for them when they need a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on, or even minutes of undivided attention would be a big thing...and just maybe, much more than you think it will be.