A "Thank You" is enough

By: Seph Capaque

There are things in life that you would like to do without any exchange. You would like to help and give out your best - tears dropping, sweat dripping, blood oozing - but after the deed, you declare it as pro bono. No more, no less.

I disagree with that. When I give, I expect two things in return: (1) A smile (2) and a "Thank You".

I think everyone agrees with that. Those two things are not hard to do. They are exceedingly simple. But sometimes I wonder why in the world do people always neglect to do those two simple requirements.

Like for example, when our parents cook a meal for us. We often frown at our parents when we see that the food on the table is not a delicious one. We fail to recognize their efforts and skip to the part wherein we see our self's dissatisfaction too much that we disregard their efforts.

I also observe in almost all situations that humans, when they want something from that person, persists in reminding that person on a day-to-day basis the need to fulfill the favor. Ironically, when the deed is done, the day-to-day memo note alarm ceases and fails to convert into a daily appreciation.

A friend who is in need of money for his "ministry" sends an SMS to my cellphone almost everyday soliciting for a little donation for a trip back to his school. He was back in town for a while to visit his kin and hints that he needs money very badly. After muchdeliberation, I decided to give him a small amount from my savings. I am a very busy person and so, I left the money at home and texted him that he just drop by our house to get the amount. He got it from my mom and left. He left no word whatsoever. My mom even told me that he was smiling from ear to ear when he received the money. Heck! know it was a small amount but I deserve a little appreciation here. I am not even counting for a payment or even an interest but what matters most to me is the appreciation.

I also wonder. We are very apt in calling the mighty name of our creator in times of trouble but are very forgetful to thank him in times of happiness. It can be unfair to him sometimes when we blame him for all the troubles we went through our lives yet not in a million times do we stop and reflect, "Wait, I have more blessings than I do have trials".