A valuable lesson.

Why is it that we forget to be kind to those closest to us?

I try to be polite and courteous. I'm sure there are plenty of times when I fail and don't even know it, but when I do notice I try to remember so I don't make the same mistake twice. But for some reason, it seems so much easier to make these mistakes with family than with anyone else.

While I was back in my hometown, I went to visit my dad and his wife. She gave me some clothes that she had purchased as gifts for my little bear when she was born. Unfortunately, they were the size that she has since outgrown. Instead of graciously accepting her gift, I commented that she had outgrown that size, and I think I may even have mentioned them keeping the clothes to give to another family. Why? Why did I ever say something like that? It was rude and ungrateful.

I came home that evening with a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach. Someone had done something kind for me, and I completely poopooed it. This is something I feel strongly about - I believe that it is important to politely accept a gift with a heartfelt thanks. It really is the thought that counts. Maybe the person picks out something that I wouldn't have, or gets a size wrong, but they cared enough about me to make a point of giving me a gift, and for that I should always be grateful. (And in this case the clothes are adorable, and as it turns out they actually all fit her.)

I think that it's easy in life to become so comfortable in relationships that we forget to be polite. Please and thank yous become omitted from married life. Gracious acceptance of gifts are forgotten among family members. We take love and kindness for granted. I think this is a mistake. If we realize it's important to be cordial toward acquaintances, wouldn't that go double for those we are close to?

I got an important reminder of this the other day. Another life lesson revisited - the hard way.