Due to Mila Kunis, hot temperatures and dad-joke-dry conditions, I have been in Arizona for the past week preparing to fight wildfires. Being an uncultured Montana guy, my preconceived notions of other states are naturally negative. How can another state even dream of being an equal to Montana? They better wake up and apologize if they do. (Thanks, Ali.)
Arizona and her people have curb-stomped my judgmental thoughts and replaced them with an important lesson; a grateful heart sows love. On numerous occasions, Arizonan people have thanked us for what we do. On the plane, in the casino, at the bar, in the hotel and at the store, people have thanked us with a smile and sent us on our way with a "God Bless you." All of my fellow crew members and boss have truly appreciated the thanks, which in turn has filled my heart with gratitude and sparked love for Arizona and its people.
When you work for the government, some people (especially Montanans) want to say thanks by leaving a flaming bag of doggy delight with extra worms on your doorstep. And don't get me wrong, it is completely fine for citizens to disagree with the government. Let me clear the air (not because it smells like doggy delight): I do not expect people to thank us for doing our job. That is entitlement. A sense of entitlement reeks, and yes, of doggy delight. I do not believe saying thank you is a code of conduct. Gratitude comes from the heart.
Jesus and his disciples thanked one another because they loved one another selflessly. Whether Jesus and his disciples were revealing the love of Jesus to thousands or being persecuted by Roman jack-wagons, they were thankful for everything Father provided. That was real gratitude; full of love and unaffected by outside circumstances. They had a grateful heart.
Saying thank you is about letting someone know you appreciate them. Knowing you are appreciated may be the greatest feeling in the world. Right behind a fresh cone of swirly serve on a scorching summer Saturday. Think of that glorious feeling next time you thank someone. We are not required to meet some sort of daily thank you count. It is something you do because of what lives in your heart. Gratitude is a selfless act. You would be surprised how good it makes you feel to be grateful. I know, I know, that's selfish. How ironic.
The attitude of gratitude is contagious. All the thanks from these goodhearted Arizonans are seeping into my heart. I catch myself saying thank you for little acts of kindness; the kind I sometimes take for granted. Also, gratefulness has multiplied for the blessings God provides.
Thank you. Gracias. Gratzi. No matter what language you speak, gratitude generates gratitude. And love. Thank you Arizona, for rekindling my attitude of gratitude.
