The Debts We Owe In Life

“Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.” William Arthur Ward (American dedicated scholar, author, editor, pastor and teacher)

How many times has it been that you can look back and remember times when you worked hard, sacrificed, did without, accomplished great things, overcame difficulties…..and no one said a word?? We have all faced these situations in life, these times when we feel completely over-looked and taken for granted. The problem is, we ourselves are guilty of doing this to others as well.

Now, we can all relate to being under-appreciated. We should be very careful, then, about passing this feeling along to others. It is immature to use the excuse that no one thanks US, so it’s just turn-about and fair play, blah, blah, blah, if we do the same to others. Enough of our excuses. We know better. Period.

A couple of months ago, there was a miniseries on TV about the Hatfields and the McCoys. It was a great conversations starter with my hubby and I. For one thing, when it comes to getting even, no one ever wins, because it just keeps going on, like an eternal game of tag. Each side seems to be so offended at what the other side does and always surprised and enraged when they are reaping what they sow. My point in regard to being grateful, however, is this: If you want the world to be different, then BE DIFFERENT.

So remember the debts we carry are not all financial, but moral as well. No matter what our station in life or the size (or lack) of our bank account, we all have the ability to lighten someone else’s load by telling them of our appreciation, freely and frequently. Encourage people to do the right thing by you and others by saying how much they mean to us. Neglecting this is a lot like planting a wonderful garden and then refusing to water it. We can feed people around us or we can starve them. The landscape we live in will reflect on US.

Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming on you. Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes. Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded wealth in the last days.Look! The wages you failed to pay the workers who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty. You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter. James 5 : 1-5