This week is Administrative Professionals Week. I know a lot of naysayers and critics would say, "Wow another holiday to stimulate retail spending." Well, I work with three assistants and they usually keep me on track with what I have to take care of and have my back. If you don't learn how to be nice to them and appreciate the little things they do, you won't thrive in the office environment, get much done on your to-do list, and ultimately never progress in your career. There is just way too many things that professionals have to do, and if you can't rely on a good assistant, your projects will take even more time to accomplish. Plus, people need to feel appreciated. Employees are willing to walk over hot coals for their bosses if they know that they are respected and thanked.
This also goes with any relationship or blessing or grace. Have you ever been nice to someone and the good deed was unrequited? Have you given a significant donation for a person's mission trip, written a check for church, loaned a person your car for a few days, worked a twelve hour day and you never hear even a thank you from that person? Isn't it heartbreaking when you feel like you gave and your blessing wasn't acknowledged. I am not sure why people are so ungrateful. I am not sitting on a high horse while saying this. I have a stack of blank thank you cards that need to be written. I'm not perfect and I know that nobody is completely perfect. I know that there are probably many nice things that people do for me that go unnoticed or unrecognized. But, that's not an excuse. Being gracious is an art that can be practiced.
You have to make the time to be thankful and appreciative. I know that sometimes people can get so self absorbed in their own lives and drama and not realize how selfish/whiny/negative they are being. Sometimes I want to slap them and shout at them and tell them to snap out of it, but I guess that's when God steps in. With a heart of gratitude for your present gifts given today, you can move out of negativity and stop being so gross and ugly.
I was raised in a family where we were taught whatever you give it will be given back to you ten times more. (And ultimately whatever you give to God, He will repay you in so many ways abundantly in different and unique ways.) The more convicted you are about realizing that your resources aren't really yours and they are God's resources the easier it may be to give. I've been challenged lately about tithing. That's giving to charities and others 10% of your income. That is a significant amount. I think the easier it is for you though the more open your heart and your mind can be to give more and receive more.
And, dude, I know that it's hard. It's also hard to give when you feel like you don't have the resources - time, money, and talent. But, God gives us everything we need to give what we can right now. And, saying thank you to someone is free and doesn't take much time.
** This post is dedicated to my cousin Sheila. She recently had a birthday AND a wedding. A few weeks ago, we had a conversation about grace and gratitude. She inspired me to write this post. The photo above is a photo at her bridal tea/ shower.**
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