I handed my money to the toll booth lady.
As I pulled away I said, “Thank you.”
…and couldn’t stop thinking about that.
Our encounter left me three dollars poorer.
…and I had to wait in line to fork over the money.
She did raise the little gate and let me pass.
But she’s obligated to do that after I pay.
…that’s the whole gig, really.
What was I thanking her for?
Nothing.
I wasn’t sincere.
There was no gratitude in my heart.
“Thank you” was just my exit line.
Just a sound by which to drive away.
I could have said anything.
“Seasonal Chow Mein!”
“Episcopalian hovercraft!”
“Rah! Rah! Sis-boom-bah! Go team go!”
I’ve overused “Thank You.”
It’s difficult to know when I’m really grateful.
I would say the same thing to you whether you let me cut in front of you at the grocery store or gave me one of your kidneys.
This must stop!
Starting now, I’m only going to say ‘Thank you’ when I truly mean it.
Will you help me?
When we speak, will you remind me of this solemn vow?
Thank you.
4 Responses
Reblogged this on GrandpaBilliE and commented:
We all do this. This hit home today. When we say thank you, we should mean it.
Spot on. Love (and align with) the conviction reflected…what and when we speak… ideally, biblically, (covered in grace), should hold value. Won’t lists reasons to be grateful for that specific item, as that’s not the main point. I hear a call to consider our words before we speak, and speak only what is genuine. Thank you for posting.
Thank you for this post. No, really, I mean it. Thank you. I’m thinking maybe “we” should really be thankful for more, so we are more sincere with our thanks. Maybe the toll-taker smiled when she got your cash. That’s something to be thankful for. (o.k., and rare) or maybe you’re just grateful that the road repairs can be made because she/he’s taking your cash (is that even how the money’s used?) Hey, I might be grasping at straws here, but…you’re welcome.
Nope. You’re welcome.