Gratitude is an attribute I have tried to instill in both of my children from birth. As important as it is to say “please” and “thank you”, it is equally important to be grateful for all we receive regardless how small a gesture it is. To thank others for their time, their gifts, and their thoughtfulness is a given. Thanking G0d for blessings received is a must.
I have stood back and watched the effects not teaching kids about gratitude can have. The kid grows up to be a rude, obnoxious a$$hole who thinks they are entitled to things and someone’s admiration simply because of who they are. They would have been better taught to expect nothing and celebrate everything. I can name names of people who don’t care enough about their kids to instill a sense of gratitude, but I won’t. Their kids are the epitome of what I described above and I have no use for them and especially don’t want my kids rubbing elbows with them in case their bad example rubs off. Sorry folks, it isn’t just because they are teenagers. It is because you didn’t care enough to teach them how to act or set a good example yourself.
My kids are not allowed to act in such a fashion. As long as I have breath in my body and have anything to say about it, that behaviorwill not be tolerated, ever. They both know it too. They know my attitude which is I don’t have to do anything except pay taxes and die, anything above and beyond that they should be grateful for. Although they are far from perfect, 99% of the time they are grateful, polite, and good kids. They have integrity and care about others. They understand the need to earn respect and the value of the almighty dollar. They also understand that time spent together is a far more precious commodity than stuff will ever be. If you can’t be grateful at home, you sure aren’t going to be gracious elsewhere.
As far as my own gratitude goes, I have a lot to be grateful for. I am grateful for each and every person who reads what I write. For those that leave comments, you are a blessing that brings a smile to my face and warms my heart. I love that you wave both hands, jump up and say by leaving a comment “I was here!” I am grateful to have two smart, healthy, well adjusted kids who my life wouldn’t be complete without. I am grateful for my husband who sacrifices precious time with all of us to be on the road and make a living. I am grateful to him for allowing me to stay home with our kids and hold down the fort. I am grateful each day for the roof over my head, the bills we are able to pay, the food on the table, and the clothes on my back. Without G0d, nothing would be possible and I count my many blessings everyday.
There is ALWAYS something or someone to appreciate no matter how bad things seem. I have a knack for finding the sunshine. Maybe today I can’t, but maybe tomorrow I can. Life can be hard, but life is a lot better when a person can find a reason for being glad much like Pollyanna did until next time when I give you another glimpse into the life of a trucker’s wife.
