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Have you ever stopped to think about all the wonderful people in your life - all the people who mean the most to you, who have been there for you in good times and bad, and who have been there when you needed them most? If you're like me, you probably don't think about them nearly enough. The other day, I came to realize that I am taking these people for granted. My mother has always been there for me. She has forgiven all the worst things I've done and she has continued to love me even in times when I’ve really taken her for granted. You'll find that parents are more often taken for granted than anyone else. When you're a kid, you're too young to give much thought to how much your parents mean. When you get old enough to move out, you may get caught up in your own life and stop thinking about your parents all together. Take a moment to think about your parents and how much they mean to you. How have they been there when you really needed them? How did they raise you to become the great person that you are? That's the two fundamental reasons that you might ignore those you love: you're too busy to think about them or you're too self-absorbed. (I realize "self-absorbed" is a strong term, but that's what it comes down to.) For me, it's a little of column A and a little of column B. |
The next person to be forgotten about is your spouse or significant other. Sure, you may take enough time to notice his/her flaws, but do you take enough time to notice how much he/she does for you or all those things that made you interested in the first place? I know my girlfriend would give the world for me. She'll worry about me until I get home and she'll go with me to places she doesn't want to just because she knows it makes me happy. Take a moment to think about your significant other if you have one. What qualities does he/she exhibit that you appreciate the most? How has your significant other been there for you? Have you ever noticed your parents or significant other in a grumpy mood and you don’t know why. Perhaps it's because they're not feeling appreciated. How often have you felt unappreciated? I know they might feel the same way. There are so many important people in our lives: friends, siblings and other family, co-workers, and people who have mentored or taught us. Won't you take a moment to think about other people like your family, friends, associates, and teachers who have made a big difference in your life? |
There is someone else whom we often forget: God. God has been there for me all of my life. He has stood by me in hard times and he has forgiven me time and time again. Without God, we would be truly lost, for now and forever. Please stop and think about how God has been so loving to you. If you're like me, you may feel a little guilty right now. But you shouldn't feel guilty at all. Guilt just tells you that you do appreciate these people. Do you want them to know how much you appreciate them? Do you tell them? Do you tell God how thankful you are? If you think you need to do more, then you're in luck. As long as you are alive, there is still time to appreciate those around you and those who have touched you. Get in touch with your parents or spouse and say "I love you and I appreciate the things you have done for me." Get in touch with an old friend or teacher, or write them a letter or email. Get in touch with God and spend some time telling God how you feel. But then, don't forget. When you see or think of that person who's so wonderful, think of this message. Think of ways that you can do more than just say "I love you" or "I appreciate you". Think of actions to show your love. |
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