I put gas in my car this week! I know, that’s nothing earth shattering right? Well for me it is because in the 16 years that I have been married, I can count on both hands how many times I have actually had to put gas in my own car. See, although my husband does not drive my car very often, he always manages to keep the tank full – many times doing it when I am not even paying attention! The reality is that I am so used to him doing it that I barely even look at the gas tank when I get in the car (sad right?). It is only at times like this week, when I am running errands, and the car practically yells at me and blinks its orange low fuel light that I notice. (Yes, the car yelled at me. Don’t question it, you weren’t there!)
You know what’s worse to admit? Because I am so used to him doing it, I barely even say thank you anymore! Isn’t that terrible? Here I am taking for granted something that most people don’t get to experience at all and someone whom I love dearly! It makes me think about all the other things I take for granted in my life. I have heard of people keeping gratitude journals. So you guessed it! I started one too. OK, it really wasn’t a journal. I actually just wrote out what I was grateful for on a sticky note, got interrupted, came back and realized that having a journal was too much of a commitment, LOL! (Don’t judge!) But the point is, it did help me to remember how truly blessed I am. I know you are on the edge of your seat wanting to know what I wrote (yep, going to tell you anyway):
- My friend Chris who calls me every week (even when I don’t get back to her) to check on me.
- The fact that shoulder pads are no longer in jackets.
- My friend Busola from work, who is always ready to help me make my work projects a success.
- My children who are healthy, happy and smart.
- Chocolate!
The list went on and on until the note was full on both sides! So why then do I take so much for granted? If I were truly honest with myself, I would admit that I get so caught up in the “rush” of life, that I often times am just too “busy” to stop and show appreciation (at least until something goes wrong)! Well, today that stops. I am going to be more intentional about having an attitude of gratitude. I will begin to thank all the people who do things that make my life so much better. People, I will add, who don’t have to do anything, but who do it anyway. I will call them, write a note if I have to, just to let them know I am grateful. How about you? What people in your life are you taking for granted? I challenge you today to stop what you are doing and thank them for it. I bet they will appreciate it more than you know! 🙂
That was wonderful as usual. I totally understand what you mean & how you feel. My husband doesn’t fill my gas tank up, but he does do other things. I must make sure that I always thank him for those things. Thanks for the reminder.
Thanks Ayesha, I am glad I am not alone on this one. I appreciate you taking time to read it!
AWESOME BELINDA.. I do get the gas thing, probably not as much as you, but, there are so many other things I could show more gratitude .. Ex: he cooks & me, not so much ?.. Awesome article for a much needed self check.. It’s not always the big things.. It’s the little things that matter & too often we take it for granted & over look them♥️?