Last fall a friend asked me to do something. The request was reasonable, and I agreed to change my ways. It took effort, and continues to take attention several times a week.
But she has not said anything since.
Probably I have gone out of her field of vision, although she is
continually in mine as I curb my habits. Sometimes I wonder how long I can keep it up with an absence of feedback.
When I pray at night with the twins I often ask God for things.
"Please help Micah travel safely from Alaska."
"Help us to do a good job with the marionette show."
The petitions are endless. But the next night I also make a point to say thank you when God grants
them.
"Thank you for Micah arriving safely."
"Thank you for blessing our show today."
Back when part of my job description included "referee" I would sometimes nudge kids to thank each other when they followed through on a demand.
"Stop jumping on my bed!"
"He stopped. Can you notice?"
"Thank
you."
Marriage is a magnet for personal requests.
Do more of this. Less of that. Do this while still doing that.
But if we took the time to offer appreciation for everything granted all of the reasons to complain would be out of focus.
