Last week I went to the local post office to purchase some stamps. When I need stamps, I usually purchase them from a vending machine where there isn’t a choice in the type of stamp to purchase. So I was a bit taken aback when the clerk asked me, “Which stamps would you like?”
I looked quickly at the options and chose one which had a decorative swirl pattern and which looked Middle Eastern in design to me.
I got home and started to write out my envelopes for the bills which were due…and then I noticed. The stamps weren’t simply decorative – the golden swirls spelled out the words “Thank You.”
I hesitated…did I really want a “Thank You” stamp to accompany my check to the gas company? What about the envelope addressed to the United States Treasury which had my quarterly estimated federal income tax payment?
This episode made me reflect on moments I choose to express gratitude…and when I don’t
I tend to express gratitude for expressions of kindness that seem freely given.
