When I walk around today, I hear so much complaining. I realize that there are lots of things to complain about. Prices are going up, our shelves are bare at the stores, the lines are long wherever we go, and many of the things we need are unavailable. Our leaders don’t seem to care and are far removed from the American people. The moral fabric of America is deteriorating. Unfortunately, in most cases, complaining doesn’t change anything. We need to do some constructive repair in our nation, but in the meantime, we need to take a long hard look at what we need to do from here. How can we make a bad situation better?
I was in the Dollar Tree the other day and overheard a customer speaking to a worker at the store. This lady was complaining about the coming price increase at Dollar Tree. She said, “There is no way I am going to pay $1.50 for this, and I will shop somewhere else. Prices better not go up.” First, I wanted to say, “What planet are you from? Why do you think that the rest of the world can go up on prices, but the Dollar Tree can’t?” I am pretty amazed they haven’t gone up already.
At a time in our country where businesses are having a hard time getting people to work, a little gratitude to the worker might have been much better. She was working hard to stock the shelves so we could have something to purchase. The store had a “Help Wanted” sign up, just like most others in our community. Perhaps a “Thank you for all you are doing,” would go a long way.
Years ago a lawyer helped us with a difficult situation. We sent her a thank you note for all she had done for us. She told me that was the first thank you note she had ever received. She did an exceptional job and was very personable. She deserved a thank-you. She still has that note.
Nurses are overworked right now. It is a thankless occupation. I am sure some patients are kind, but many are not. We were at the emergency room with my mom a few months ago. The poor nurse looked like she was going to cry. I asked her if she was okay, and she said that we were the only nice patients she had that night. The others were impatient and demanding. I know that all nurses are not great, but we have had very few that were not caring and compassionate over the years. Each nurse is only one person, and we treat them like we were the only patient in the hospital.
A “Thank you” would go a long way when they come in to give us medicine, change our bandages, or any of the various things we may need. We need to thank the people that bring our trays and ask about their days. One day one of our nurses seemed troubled, so we asked how he was doing. He was going through a tough time, and he needed someone to talk to. He thanked us for listening. There are so many times when we can make things better just by being grateful and kind.
Our policemen have really gotten a bum rap. Again, I know all policemen are not great, but most of them are putting themselves at risk every day to protect us. I am so thankful that we have police in our area. It makes me feel safer to know they are riding around keeping an eye on things. When people want to defund the police and call them names and turn their backs on them when they need help, it must be very discouraging. I would not want my son to be a policeman in our country. Why would anyone want to be a policeman to be spat upon and degraded? Can you imagine if we had no police? What would our world be like? We need to show some gratitude.
I have a great group of parents at the academy. There have been many times when a parent has said thank you. They may send notes, send goodies, or just tell me how much I have helped their children. Many times those encouraging words come at just the right time. However, I understand it is not that way everywhere. I have some friends that teach in other schools, and they get fussed at quite a bit. Let your child’s teacher know how much you appreciate them. It may brighten his day.
In a society where many people do not want to work, there are lines and aggravations everywhere. There are signs in stores that say, “Please be patient. No one wants to work.” The people that are working need to be given a little patience and appreciation. Every person in every occupation needs to feel appreciated. Make it a point to show gratitude wherever you go. We can make someone smile with just a little patience, kindness, and a large dose of gratitude.
Share a smile and be grateful today.
“In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”
I Thessalonians 5:18
Mrs. Worthington has five children and twelve grandchildren. She serves as Principal of Pathway Christian Academy in Goldsboro.