Expressing Gratitude

We serve in many capacities for years in callings and in life, and most of the time our efforts go unheralded. Most of the time I don’t even expect kudos for a job well done because I’m too painfully aware of my many shortcomings…we really focus too much on these! I just keeping pressing forward, hoping that those shortcomings don’t affect anyone too adversely.

The other day I received an extra special comment that showed me the value of gratitude, even for an old-grumpy who thinks she doesn’t need it, like me.
It came from a time when I thought, in retrospect, everything I did was probably wrong. I was doing my best, but I was immature and naïve.

I wonder if that ever goes away?

I didn’t always know what needed to be done and I’m pretty sure I consistently focused on the wrong, or less important, aspects. But I learned, a lot, and hopefully grew up some.

When I read this comment I felt validated and grateful to have been a part of someone’s life, and that somehow all the mistakes were worthwhile. Someone noticed my efforts and that’s all we can really give.

And then I started thinking…how many times do we let others go unnoticed? Who have I not expressed my thanks to? Who have I benefited from and yet, have allowed their efforts to slip into oblivion; my gratitude never given a voice? How many times have I thanked my Father in Heaven for someone’s healing hand, but never told them personally?

They need to hear it too, just like I did.

Thank you, Kina, for reminding me of the blessed virtue of gratitude and its importance in all of our lives.