Gratefulness

I think I blogged on this in recent memory. I was thinking of it again as I recall DW always thanks me when I take her out to dinner. I get confused. It's not like I gave her anything the money is ours. But she is grateful. Gratefulness is always appropriate.

Often gifts seem to be begrudgingly accepted. It is as if the gift is due them. It is their right. So they do not need to be grateful, to say thank you.

In certain situations we say thank for perfunctorily. We should try to make it as real as we can. I think of the grocery store, when I get my groceries checked out, I say "thank you" and "have a good day". DW always says "God bless you". I might too but it is an embarrassed "God bless you". I often say it as I am moving away. Sadly it does embarrass me.

During this season I am likely to say "Merry Christmas" because so few people say it anymore and I am mad about that. Yeah I know, sorry reason for doing it.

I'm reminded of taking the tram at Rice University. Rice is like a small community or they try hard to make it so. The bus driver always gives a cheery "Have a good day" as people leave the bus. By now the drivers recognize me and I them. I always say "thank you" and often follow up with "Have a good day". I ought to get their names. Some people stand up by the driver and chat as we go, getting the news. That seems wrong as there are signs saying to stay back when the bus is moving. The driver does have to drive.

I am grateful to God for each succeeding day. I am grateful for health and for family both my biological family and my family of faith.