Small favors are worth appreciating

Posted 1/3/23

On the day after Christmas just past, there came a person, well-known to me, to clear off my driveway and uncover my snow-coated vehicle one more time. Oh, happy day!

It’s not the first …

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Small favors are worth appreciating

Posted

On the day after Christmas just past, there came a person, well-known to me, to clear off my driveway and uncover my snow-coated vehicle one more time. Oh, happy day!

It’s not the first time, and now, after a couple of years of it happening, I may not even know when he arrives. 

For that reason, I can’t mention his name here, even though I should, because if I do, some other persons will want him to come to their place too, and he might not have enough time for me.

Do I sound selfish? Good. You’re right. But we all get like children sometimes with our wants and needs, especially for our birthdays, holidays and any time we think it’s just a good idea…

Getting old does have some advantages, but that’s not the only reason we react the way we do. Really! Attitude has no age boundaries. It’s a learned aptitude and we are all subject to its intimidation. 

I remember well a certain grade school day, being 13 years old and attending the annual county-wide graduation ceremony at McBride Hall in the University of Iowa. I was so upset about something but can’t remember now what it was. Was it my clothing, my hair, something else? Whatever it was, I was crying so hard I couldn’t settle down until my mother threatened to take me home without my diploma.  I was a blubbering mess as I crossed the stage that night, but I did. Yes, it was horrible, for my mother probably more than for anyone else then, but worse now in that I still remember it.

Also, there are all the times in my life when I didn’t totally appreciate all the large and small things that other people have done for me. 

Isn’t it funny how things we don’t give enough credence to at the moment can become more important with time? For that reason, it’s likely a good thing for all of us to appreciate what happens when it happens.

Like now… I’m going to really appreciate the benefactor who is clearing my driveway, etc. but I’m still not giving anyone his name. Forget it.