In the barren lands of earth, our gestures of gratitude can often seem hollow and trite–an obligatory Thank You note written here; a box of chocolates given there; handshakes, hugs, and gift cards, though well intended, can also prove lacking. The worst, of course, is when someone’s precious gifts of time, effort, and heart are overlooked and entirely taken for granted.

There comes a time–and that time is NOW–when debts of gratitude must be expressed to the greatest degree possible. Despite the best of efforts, our attempts sometimes fall short of the mark. How can we ever repay gestures of kindness, which, in themselves, are priceless? To directly name those to whom I owe gratitude will not occur here; my intention is to thank That which they are–not who they appear to be. From my heart, I offer the following:

To the One…

• who helped teach me how to be a man. Thank you.
• who loved me unconditionally. Thank you.
• who lovingly guided me, and still offers guidance. Thank you.
• who loved me during times when I could barely love myself. Thank you.
• who split wood and washed my vehicle….just because. Thank you.
• who baked cupcakes for me on my first Valentine’s Day alone after divorce. Thank you.
• who took a chance on me and my skills in the workplace. Thank you.
• who drove me to surgery and waited with me. Thank you.
• who repeatedly listened to my incredibly important woes. Thank you.
• who carried my workload, on days when I could barely carry myself. Thank you.
• who chose to overlook my inadequacies. Thank you.
• who taught me painful, but necessary, lessons. Thank you.
• who tolerated me; even when I displayed intolerance. Thank you.
• who cut me down, when my pride had risen too high. Thank you.
• who chose to forgive me. Thank you.
• who offered food and shelter to me, a stranger. Thank you.
• who saw my fear, yet pretended they didn’t. Thank you.
• who prayed for me and my safe arrival back home. Thank you.
• who gave me a compass when I retired; so that I would never lose my way. Thank you.
• who helped me “see” the Light, in so many ways. Thank you.

***

Dear Readers:

Do you owe anyone heartfelt gratitude? If so, to whom? Is it family members, friends, or peers? The list above is pitifully short; it is, of course, an impossible task for me to list everyone to whom I owe a debt of gratitude. Perhaps you will display greater wisdom than I once did. If you can, please love those to whom you are grateful as though they are God incarnate. Because. They. Are.

Dare to dream (and care for one another).

With heartfelt regards,

Art

Copyright © – 2022 – R. Arthur Russell

P.S. Please share this article if you enjoyed it. If you’d like to view my latest book (This Taste of Flesh and Bones), press here. My YouTube videos can be found at Think2wice@I-Am-Aware. May the content of either or both help you along your spiritual journey. “Thank You” & “Note to Publishers” 🙏🏻🧡