The forgotten gratitude
Which is one of the most difficult words worldwide? Popocatepetl, the Mexian mountain? Or Chichicastenago, a small town in Guatemela? Or Ouagadougou, the former capital of Upper Volta in Central Africa? Guess please!
“Somebody comes to my place and drinks a lot. I just keep on roaring and flowing and remain happy during my whole life, because I can give and give and share… - even without gratitude!” (Historical fountain saying in Regensburg/Bavaria, South Germany).
“Be in the making means be thankful forever!” What a meaningful quotation in Goethe’s drama “Faustus” (1831), but how very far away from today’s reality. Let me ask you directly, my dear reader: “When did you say THANK YOU recently?” I don’t mean it as a disgracing phrase, no, such as an honest attitude, to which we are all susceptile.
Some years ago a good friend told me, that we all should be very thankful to all leaders in society, politics and clergy, for their mistakes and mismanagement including arrogance and incompetence! Why? So we might be able to struggle through life without being too much naive while following endless promises without the basic fundamentals.
“The Pharisee stood apart by himself and prayed…God…, I thank you that I am not like that (corrupt?) tax collector over there!” (Luke 18,11). “What’s more transient then gratitude?” asked the German poet Friedrich Schiller (1759-1805) in his drama “Don Carlos”.
Gratitude or thankfulness in our daily surroundings: many times it’s just forgotten because we treat sacrifices. services and even the smallest relief without saying as only natural and take it as a matter of course.
I couldn’t care less if the grumpy taxi driver isn’t able to say a simple “thanks” after I paid my fare including a small tip. But if children i.e. forget to express their gratitude to their parents, who try everything to guarantee a good education while struggling financially through life - yes, then it’s getting painful and embarrassing.
How about saying Thank you to our Filipina wife for spending a wonderful day together at the beach or for spending the last 25 years together?
Try it, it works!
Klaus,
I have learned to show gratitude to people when they do a servie for me. Help from a sales clerk, a waiterss, or a friend.
I also have in my life to show appreciation in other ways too. Years ago I had a freind who was a master mechanic. He would work on my car and only charge me for parts, never labor. When ever he did that, I would take him and his wife out for dinner.
I realized, if a friend does something for you, and you show just basic appreciation, they will get tired of helping.
I also will compliment a waitress if she has a pretty smile, or wait staff as good service.
I have been told, no matter how bad the day was, they would remember me giving them a compliment and it would brighten their attitude.
We need to show graditude to everyone that in some way touches our lifes.
Just as I thank Bob and you at times for your time in writing these articles.
Keep uo the GREAT work
Hi Bruce, THANKS also. I don’t know if real friends get tired, if you thank them after a big help. I got other experiences. Regarding staff or any person who is doing well service to me, I show my gratitude - even several times.
Thanks to you and Elena for always dropping by “Liveinthephilippines”…
Hi Klaus,
I think what your trying to say is that in to-days world the word “thank you” is not said often enough.
I agree with you and not only is it a sign of good manners it costs nothing but means such a lot to the receiver. In the world where I belong holding a door open or giving up ones seat for a lady or elderly person is the height of good manners and shows a good up bringing and politeness, alass its the exception now adays rather than the rule.
But that should not stop people like us from practicing what we believe in.
Hi Jim, I totally agree with you, we both really belong to “the same world”. I will still practice what I believe in. Good thing, there are still some people somewhere out there, who the same. Thanks Jim for dropping by…