“The deepest craving of human nature is the need to be appreciated.” — William James
I was attending one of the early dawn masses when I noticed a middle-aged lady standing right beside a pew. The church was full, and all the seats were taken. Right beside her, seated, was a young teenage boy who, at first, seemed oblivious to her presence. Because of limited space, the lady was, from time to time, forced to press against the young man who, probably pricked by his conscience, eventually offered his place to the lady. They exchanged places.
To my surprise, the middle-aged lady did not as much as acknowledge the gesture, and simply took the young boy’s place as if she was rightfully entitled to it. There was not a “thank you”, a smile, nor even a quick look at the young man to acknowledge his kindness.
The practice of saying “thank you” when you get the change from some stranger’s hand in the jeepney also seems to have disappeared among us.
Several times when I am in the City, I would act as the “unofficial” conductor, passing the fare to the driver to the front, and giving the change back to the passenger. Very rarely do I hear the “Salamat, Te” response.
No one says “thank you” anymore.
Gratitude is a virtue that is slowly disappearing, especially among the young people. I am not talking about the gratitude expressed, sometimes effusively, when one receives a gift.
I am talking about the kind of gratitude expressed in the day-to-day occurrences in our lives: when someone offers us a seat in the bus, or adjusts his position in the pedicab so that we can be more comfortable in our little space; when the ate serves our food in the restaurant or carinderia; or when the parking boys take care of our motorcycles or our cars.
To the street vendors, househelpers, even our siblings, parents, and other family members — practically everyone who, somehow makes our day a little bit more comfortable or even bearable — we need to give a smile, a nod, a “thank You” which can provide the affirmation that they may also be yearning for.
I am reminded of a young man who, after getting his PE shirt from the university store one afternoon, said, “Thank you, Te” to the worker. He was then told that of all the students who had gotten their shirts since morning of that day, he was the only one who said thanks.
People say that being grateful allows for more blessings to come into our lives.
Nevertheless, thankfulness is the beginning of gratitude. Thankfulness may consist merely of words but when we make a practice out of saying these words, gratitude will take its root in our hearts and, before long, expressing it will become second nature to us.
So, as the new year is still in its first few weeks, let’s make it a point to incorporate gratitude in our lives. Express it by saying Thank You to people who least expect it.
Before long you will find that more kindness, more joy will come into your life. For it is only with gratitude that life becomes rich.
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Author’s email: GPrehab@yahoo.com
