Grateful Much?

It's pretty common to hear "I'm so grateful for...." from people. But how often do you really feel grateful? Saying is one thing, feeling and showing it is another. It got me wondering how often I do, as I was driving to work this morning.

The conversation on the radio was about Jury Duty. An old(er) man called in to share his story. He shared how his wife had always wanted to take part in being on a Jury, but the 30 something years they had been married, she had never once been called for Duty. Sadly, his wife had passed away & never got that call... Until 6mos later. The papers he'd received for his wife had read that she must report for Duty, or she would be fined $100.00 per day (for the term of the assignment). He proceeded to call the number on the paper and told them "I will gladly pay the $100.00 per day, if you can get her here to report for Duty!".

Not only did he have a good attitude about the whole thing, but it really got me thinking of how grateful I am for my husband, my family & the people I love and care about. I often hear people give advice to others after loosing their loved one, saying "Tell them you love them before it's too late". But I've never really taken that to heart until this morning. How would my life be without these people I talk to and spend time with on a daily basis? Unimaginable. My life wouldn't be "my" life. It would completely change, as I am sure it does for most people when something like that happens.

Those words of advice have a different meaning for me, not because I have experienced it (knock on wood x10) but because I really thought about and felt what this man must have been feeling receiving those papers. I am grateful for the good and also the bad times with my loved ones. My dear Hubby sure knows how to push my buttons sometimes, but if he weren't here to do so, I'd be lost. I can't get to sleep at night sometimes because of his snoring, but I'd much rather have him next to me, snoring or no snoring. I often get frustrated with situations I am dealt, but realize how lonely I would be without them.

Take a minute to reflect on how your life would change and how it would be without the ones you love. You'll get a much greater appreciation for the time you now have, to spend with them.