Give Thanks to Gratitude

As a man who takes nothing for granted, and has spent his life appreciating those in it…I was elated to see the front of my Wall St. Journal featuring an article on gratitude this morning.  For those who know me, and those who follow me, you know the importance I bestow on showing gratitude and the benefits it has to offer for body and soul.

The article highlighted not only the social, but the physical benefits that result from interjecting gratitude into your life daily.  The article states that “adults who frequently feel grateful have more energy, more optimism, more social connections and more happiness than those who do not…” I can only agree with declaration made the various scientists that added to the article. My whole life I have been thankful for those who have mentored me, educated me, and loved me; and am one of the most energetic, social and loving people you will ever meet.

When I was a young man in the army I experienced an act of generosity that forever changed my life and how I treated other people. I was on a weekend pass when I had finally saved enough money to buy a car. I saw a small black Austin that took my breath away—it was perfect. So I sat down with the manager to make my first meaningful purchase. The car cost $300 and I only had $50. “No problem,” the manager told me. “Fifty dollars is enough to start.” As I went to sign the loan, he made small talk and asked where I worked. I told him that I was a soldier at Camp Borden. Immediately, his entire demeanor changed. “I didn’t know you were a soldier,” he said, and refused to offer me financing for the car. Naturally, I was distraught as I saw my dream s of driving around in my new car evaporate before my very eyes.

So I hitchhiked back to camp, where I must have looked dejected because Duty Sergeant Jack Vart asked me why I was back when I had a weekend pass. I recapped the story of my disintegrating dreams of a new car to the Sergeant. To my surprise he instantly offered to stop by the store with me to talk with the manager. With nothing to lose I accepted the offer

As we pulled up to the shop, Sergeant Vart told me to stay in the car. After some time passed, I went inside where the manager had all of the papers ready to sign. “I’ll make an exception in your case,” he told me. I was ecstatic, and drove that car for over a year

Finally, one day after I had paid off the load ahead of schedule, I received the agreement in the mail. It was to my amazement that there were two: the one that I had signed, and then one that the sergeant had signed. Until that moment, I had no idea that he had actually provided his personal guarantee that I would pay for the car. He had assumed all of the risk. From that point on, I was so grateful for the trust that Sergeant Vart had given me, I could only hope to be able to help someone in the same capacity.

I can only say, that I have made sure to be grateful for everyone in my life. Not only personal but scientific experience has proven that life is better when showing gratitude for others. Let the people you appreciate know their worth by showing thanks and being grateful for their presence in your life.

To read the entire Wall St. Journal Article, click here.