How About a Little Appreciation

Gratitude is a wonderful thing and I feel that it is often a component that is missing or not strongly encouraged in our everyday lives. As a member of the US Air Force, the core values make excellence and service part of every Airman’s job, and because of this we often lose sight of the fact that there are still those who go above and beyond the call of duty, and when they do they deserve praise to further encourage the pursuit of excellence and service, rather than just have it expected and instead reprimanding when they fail to do so because it’s part of the job to do so. Awards and medals are a great military tradition, to show appreciation for all those who strive for excellence and service through hard work and sacrifice (as well as sometimes helping promotions). Distributions of medals and awards are limited however, and often there are those who may not receive either but still have done an excellent job that exceeds even lofty expectations. 

This can be true in other workplaces, as well as at home and among friends.  Our women tell us that a compliment goes a long way, and of course compliments to women are pretty much the same as chocolate, quickly consumed and provide a feeling of ecstasy comparable to good sex, but instead of keeping them fit, it makes them fat.  Men, tend to look at compliments differently; women love to share and hear them, whereas men focus less on words and focus more on actions. Working hard to provide for the family, coming home and relaxing with the wife and kids, striving to give them every opportunity he never had, are ways men show their love and gratitude to those whom they value in their lives, for all that they do and love that they share.  A woman's desire to sit by her husband and affectionately embrace him is all he needs to feel her love. Devotion to him is the ultimate form of gratitude, and in return he will remain devoted to her, promoting her needs and the needs of his children above his own so long as he shall live.

Even those who do harm to you, or who revile you, or make your life difficult. Perhaps you should even be grateful to them, for without their influence, you would not feel the sting of opposition in all things, allowing you to savor the joyous moments when life is blissful. Also, you can learn from their mistakes, let is serve as a warning of what not to do, which in turn will help you be a better person. Be grateful to them for that learning opportunity and making the mistake you don't have to.

Gratitude can go a long way, and even warm the coldest heart, for it is but a part of the pure love we know as charity.  For everything everyone does, the service they provide the sacrifices they make, a little gratitude can make it all worth while.