Gratitude and Recognition – By Arnie Wohlgemut
“I appreciate you.” “Thank you.” “Nice job” … Many kind words we don’t hear that often. When they are said with sincerity, they can inspire someone to keep going and, more than that, to thrive.
I was enjoying the sun. The sky was blue and the sand was white. An elderly gentleman was working to clean up the beach, picking up after all the ungrateful tourists. I bent over and picked up my empty cups and passed them to him. He smiled politely and held open the bag. He was doing a job many of us would not do, at least not by choice. As I watched his face, he seemed so happy to have a job, no matter how menial it was. I instantly reached into my pocket and passed him a tip to thank him for a job well done. The reaction was priceless. In a raspy voice he said, “God Bless You.”
I tell you this not to impress you, but to impress upon you that we should always recognize people — wherever you are, no matter how small the job, no matter the season.