Gratitude

Yesterday, I was at a coffee shop with my puppy, Bob, trying to get some reading done for class. A two year old girl came over to play with Bob and, not being particularly interested in the article on the social ramifications of parasites on primates, I started chatting with her. Every time I said anything that could possibly be construed as a compliment she looked me in the eye and said, "thank you." Here are some examples:

Me: "You are really tall for your age."
Her: "Thank you."

Me: "I like your ponytail."
Her: "Thank you."

Me: "Your dad is really funny."
Her: "Thank you."

Me: "Thanks for playing with my dog."
Her: "Thanks for letting me."

It was amazing to me that this little girl was so young, naive and probably not cognitively aware of how good she has it, yet she was so ingrained with gratitude. I, on the other hand, have studied the hardships of others for years and still take things for granted. A few examples are as follows. I don't always wave when people let me cut in front of them in traffic. I don't always say thank you when I am served at a restaurant or checked out at the store. I don't always show my gratitude when random acts of kindness come my way. I sometimes think of it as my right. I want to turn left, therefore I have the right to be in that lane. I am paying for my meal, therefore I have the right to be served. I was there, therefore I have the right to receive. These are not truths.

The truth is: I am a human being, therefore I have the responsibility to show gratitude.

My challenge this week is to be like that two year old and show gratitude for as many things as I can think of. I will not just say "Thank you." It will be a three step process. I will make eye contact, express my thanks, and mean it. I invite you to join me.