Gratitude Should Not Be Delayed

Photo Courtesy of idealistic.org

Every September 21, a global celebration for the "World Gratitude Day" is being held in a non-extravagant manner to show your appreciation and to thank all of those who have done you favors, friends and family members who have helped you achieve your goals, and those random strangers who may have helped you along the way and have done little things to you to finish a task or some sort. This is just a simple celebration to show how much we appreciate little helps from everyone around us and return it with our deepest gratitude to them.

I remember a story about not saying "thank you" to a person, who have helped a person in need but did not get a much deserved gratitude in an instant.

There was once an old lady who was borrowing some money to a relative because she was really in dire need of some to feed herself and her son for a day. The relative did not hesitate to give attention to the old lady, in fact, he lend her a bigger amount of money than what she asked for. When the old lady received the money, she was happy and left right away.

The following week, the old lady came to the her relative again and thanked him for what he did for them the other week. But then again, she also came with an agenda. The old lady was asking again to lend her some money for their food that day. The relative felt pity to the old lady but this time, he refused to give her some money and asked the old lady with courtesy to leave his house because he has nothing to give to her.

The relative actually has some money but because of the old lady's behavior of not thanking him right away when she received the money the other week, the man this time refused to give her some. In the end, the old lady did not get anything from his relative.

In life, no matter what happens, whether you are sad, happy, angry, excited, or felt betrayed, when someone gives you a helping hand, it is always necessary to give "thanks" as a response, immediately to the person who have helped you in his or her little ways. It may not be quick enough or right away, but saying "thank you" to a person who have helped you should not really be delayed. A "thank you" response should always be in an instant, the moment you received the helping hand, and not be a day after or a week after that.

Saying a "thank you" response is way to show our sincerest and simplest appreciation to the person who gave us a helping hand. Being humble while receiving the help and saying a simple and sincere "thank you" are what makes us human and humane. So, the next time you receive a helping hand, saying our sincerest "thank you" is way to repay the person. A simple showing of gratitude can go a long way.

Let's celebrate "World Gratitude Day" everyday and say "Thank You!" always and in all ways!