Appreciation: ‘The definite healer, comforter and greater doors opener.’
“Are there not ten that were cleansed, where are the other nine?”
By Adeniyi Ifetayo
Some months ago, social media was awash with a picture of a student who went to meet his father at the park where the man works as a commercial motorcycle rider. The one popularly called “Okada park” in our local parlance, and prostrated on the floor holding his father’s leg, not minding the white signing-out clothes he had on him.
The picture went with the caption, “he did everything to ensure I am a graduate”.
Though the man did not anticipate a public show of appreciation for what he must have enjoyed doing as a father, the smile on his face shows how much relief that gesture brought to his weary soul.
Even our Lord Jesus could not help but make mention of those lepers who did not return to say ‘thank you’ after they were miraculously healed by him.
We have so many ungrateful people in our society today who trivialise the kind gestures they have enjoyed from their benefactors when the issue of showing gratitude comes up.
While one might not be able to completely pay back the goodwill or kind gestures enjoyed from others, the show of gratitude is a soothing balm words cannot explain.
When my little girl started talking, we began to emphasise the need to show appreciation for every kindness she enjoys. For me, it was basically to teach her good manners as I was indifferent whether she told me thank you or not.
Recently I was looking for something in the house and she joined me in the search. While we were at it, I opened a drawer and saw cornflakes, milk, and some of the stuff we use to prepare quick meals for her, especially for breakfast. I did not even know when my wife bought those spares because the one she was using had not been finished. Immediately she saw them, she hugged me and said “Daddy thank you, you bought another milk and cornflakes, and golden morn for me”, with a contagious smile on her face.
I just can’t explain how those words brought so much strength to me. Even if my wife had chosen to triple the prices of those things I would have gladly paid without baiting an eyelid. Not because I had the money in excess but because of how the person I was doing it for expressed her gratefulness.
In two days, the 11th month of the year will be over, and all eyes will be on the new year. Some people are already looking at who to run to for support, help, and endorsement in the coming year. Meanwhile, they have not taken out time to thank those who have stood with them in the outgoing year.
As a child, with all the things we have faced this year in Nigeria, your parents ensured you did not drop out of school. They ensured you did not starve, they ensured you stayed healthy despite their limited resources, even if it is a handwritten thank you letter or a card, get for them to express how much you appreciate their sacrifices.
As an employee, your Boss ensures your salary keeps coming even when the company is running at a loss. A simple thank you text message to appreciate the sacrifices of your employer will do more than you can imagine.
That your friend who has become your emergency guy for urgent 2k since this year started, and you feel he is your guy and doesn’t care about getting a special thank you. This is not the time to say it does not matter. send him a text, but this time, it is not to ask for another help but to say thank you.
That Pastor or Imam that you have been pestering requesting prayers, and he has always been there for you, show them appreciation now.
Don’t continue the cycle of requesting help without first showing gratitude for the previous favours they have given you.
End the year on a high dose of gratitude!
Gratitude mode is activated!
IDEDE Oseyande
(c)2023
#Gratefulheart
