German philosopher Meister Eckhart said, “If the only prayer you said was thank you; that would be enough.” Yet I believe James Clear is correct when he said, “Thank You is the most under-appreciated and under-used phrase on the planet.” Sure; most of us remember it after something good happens, but how many of us take the time to say Thanks before something occurs?
- While preparing an important presentation or proposal, someone recommends an approach or an idea;
- That is a great idea, thanks for sharing!
- Athletes stepping into the batter’s box kissing their crossed thumb and index finger in an acceptance of what they perceive as their own cross;
- An act of being humble and validating Mahatma Gandhi’s statement, “[Prayer] is daily admission of one’s weakness.”
A humility Jimmy Guilford helped me see. Jimmy was a very talented athlete who was overshadowed by another player, even to a point his coaches very seldom mentioned his name when speaking to college coaches. Yet, instead of complaining about his coach, he let me know how important his parents and grandparents were in his life. Thank you, Jimmy!
So, at the start of each day, before a big meeting, or before participating in an athletic event take a few minutes and say thanks for all the successes you already have in your life! Be like Jimmy!
Until next Blog,
“We must find time to stop and thank the people who make a difference in our lives.” ~ John F. Kennedy
Al McCormick
