November 14, 2021
Gratitude
We often speak about how much we all need love. We need to give it and we need to receive it, but are we grateful for it? Do we outwardly say, “I love you”? Do we say, “thank you” for even small things?
I am thankful and grateful for all the Veterans in this country who have fought for our country and try to keep it safe. My father was one of them in WWII.
I have read several pieces lately on prisons and the people in them. What many prisonmates have in common is that their past is lacking many things, but the one thing that stuck with me was the simple words they needed to hear growing up, but rarely, if ever did.
I believe in you. You can do this.
I am proud of you. I love you. Thank you.
A mentor that believed in them when they had no family life.
As I think back, I remember the words my father said, “I am so proud of you.” It wasn’t a gift for doing something or money. Just simple words that made me feel so good! Gave me a sense of self-worth, encouraged me to continue to do better.
I just finished a book called “Ordinary Grace” by William Kent Krueger. In one chapter Frank and his brother had just mowed the lawn for their grandfather. He had never complimented them; he usually said something like, “I pay you well, make sure you do a good job.” But one day he said, “I don’t know if I’ve ever told you boys how much I appreciate the job you do. I get compliments all the time on how good this property of mine looks.” After that Frank had a new appreciation and affection for his grandfather. Not because he got paid, but those few simple words of appreciation.
So, as we move about in our daily lives, let’s seek out the small things we appreciate and acknowledge them with gratitude.
With gratitude,
Palmer Marrin