A father was teaching his son about the concept of gratitude, using an analogy to illustrate different attitudes people have. He said: “In this world, there are three kinds of people. The first type are those who view someone’s favor as a line drawn on water’s surface, easily forgotten. The second type are those who appreciate the favor for a while, until the wind sweeps it away and everything is eventually forgotten. The third type are those who regard a completed favor as a line drawn on a rock. That line remains visible on the surface until the rock eventually breaks. When it comes to being grateful, I want you to be solid like a rock. Regardless of how big or small the favor is in the past done by somebody, even if you find yourself at odds with that person, it is important to never overlook the goodwill you once received. Even if it was a smile the person brought on your face, a joy that you felt, a gift you received, you may always return a favor and not keep yourself in debt but never ever forget what the person has done for you. There is a difference between feeling indebted and feeling grateful. While a debt can always be settled, gratitude has no bounds and can be expressed indefinitely. The son asked “Does that mean I’ll always be more blessed in life?” The father explained “Your character will not be measured by how much you own or the amount of people around you at the peak of your success, but by the gratitude you have towards those who were by your side when you were at the bottom of your life. Being grateful is the greatest blessing in itself.
