Amazon gift card

I received from my parents an amazing polo shirt several years ago during my annual celebration of life. Later on in life, I noticed that they didn't give me what I would have liked to receive the most during that time. They taught me that I should be thankful for whatever I receive.

Somehow I became "entitled" to the things that I deserve to be receiving. Apostle Paul says,

"... give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." - 1 Thessalonians 5:18

On other versions it says, "... give thanks with a grateful heart... "


This phenomenon, it also raises a question; would you rather give a gift that someone needs or a gift that someone wants? If you give a kid chocolates for his birthday it might be bad for his health even though that is what he likes. But if you give him a basketball it will be good for his health and well-being, but he may or may not like it.


I think most people's answer would be "You should give someone something that they really like." On the other hand, if the giver does not give someone what they want most, instead of appreciating their generosity or kindness the giver might be perceived as someone who is inconsiderate or thoughtless. Then, his positive attitude towards voluntarily giving is lessened. Instead of receiving some commendation, he received negative scrutiny in the public eye.


Another aspect of being thankful is the presence of the person. When a person invites someone for dinner, he/she would thank the guest for their presence alone. The guest would be thanking the person who invited him too. But who should say "You're welcome?" What is the norm? 


In a situation where the host can only invite a limited number of guests out of his thousand relationships, he/she can only invite 5 people out of it. Isn't it those five people should be thankful? But another part of the problem is that are they aware that they reached the cut out of 1000 people? That they are privileged or honoured to be part of the inner circle? On the other hand, does the host is obliged to let them know, "Oh, hey just so you know, there are 1000 people on my list and you made the cut, I only invited 5 of you" 


Is this a problem? If it is, how can we solve it? Or maybe is not a problem :-D


On the other hand, if one of the 5 people is a busy man, does he have the right to say, "The host should be thankful because I am showing up, I have a dozen meetings for a week, and I'm giving him away my precious time, that would be my gift to the host"


What if the other 4 people think the same way? Who is supposed to say "Thank you" in this scenario?


I think if you are either on both sides we have to remember the importance of valuing each other's time.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Team Melana

Image
  There were couples in the bible who met at the well. But it's different now, like Joana and Jomel. Stories may vary in the past, present, future. If you find yourself in one, remember, “Stay pure.” Words being spoken are his ultimate talent. With passion, he preaches the message to be sent. I’m sure he will not only shower her with sweet love but also affirming words like a hug from a dove. She keeps her friends like treasures, as what the prophet says. The community is blessed for the remaining days Where can you find Proverbs 31:30 woman? I don’t know, I would ask the bridegroom how he got one. Wow! A lovely combination of gifts from father. As they use it for the kingdom, it brings them further Our God is faithful always and worthy of our praise Let’s celebrate as Team Melana starts their phase
Read more

Ajeje

Image
    Kobe Bryant started YouTube episodes called "Detail" after he retired from basketball. The channel features different NBA star players and Kobe gives his detailed analysis of every movement of the player. The idea behind the episodes is for the viewers to learn from these players especially the details that they might miss while watching them.      One of the leadership skills that I observe in the people I meet is playfulness. Do not underestimate this magical factor of playfulness in Tagalog, "kakulitan" If there is zero tolerance for you being "makulit" there is a tendency to interpret your sentences or words as "cold". "Makulit" or playfulness factor is tricky, especially in an environment where respect and formality are expected. Another element that should be considered is the "wavelength" for both the giver and receiver of the message. Whenever I send messages to certain kinds of people, it is valid and fair if they...
Read more

Happy Mother's day

Image
     Wow. Time flew so fast. I vividly imagine during the first Christmas of pandemic era where I was hosting our church Christmas party in Zoom and her beauty stood among the crowd.  I can still recall our moments together when we all wore white and went to Fish Creek and recreated the post. I remember the times where we sang and dance to the beat of Backstreet Boys at Saskatchewan. We also drove all the way to Edmonton to buy some clothes from Uniqlo.       The first precious moment that we've had was when I offered her a free coffee one time and she accepted my treat. We then took a ride and she didn't expect suddenly we were in front of the Hyundai car dealership at 130th.  I attempted to convince her to come with me and she stood her ground. You were immovable.  A year later I found out that she will be my sister. What a surprised from our God the father. It was a great gift from heaven.  The NIV version states, "Every goo...
Read more