Some time ago, two friends invited me to lunch at their home. I had gotten to know them through a class that we were involved in. From the moment I stepped into the home, I knew that this would be an unforgettable experience. It was a celebration of friendship in which they had lovingly baked and cooked a real feast. It was such a delight!
I was touched by the care and attention they had taken to do something special for me. It still means a lot even as I remember it so many years later. I was at their table...but they had taken pains to make the experience something they knew I would love and appreciate. Pure pampering for the soul.. I left that luncheon feeling nourished in spirit and body.
Now what if I had sat at the table and not expressed appreciation for the care and attention they had obviously put into the meal? That would have been rude and mean-spirited on my part. Not only would I have ruined the pleasure of the meal for them, I would have ruined it for myself as well. That's the nature of human interaction...we tend to get out of relationships what we put into them.
In life, we're often guests at someone else's table. And it's not always set the way we would do things if the table was at our house. It may be a boss who has a different set of expectations than you do or a friend who looks at a situation from a unique perspective. Regardless...it's not our way.
But so what? Why does it matter? Why not simply accept the fact that a different way can be embraced and enjoyed simply for what it is. It's really not about if we're at my table...or yours; it's about being mature enough to appreciate and cherish what others bring as their unique gift and accepting it for what it is...and is not. Period.
picture courtesy of Rene Erhardts photostream on Flickr Creative Commons license.
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Lola Audu, is the Designated Broker & Owner of Audu Real Estate. Our company specializes in helping people buy and sell homes in the greater Grand Rapids, West Michigan area. We've had the privilege of helping hundreds of clients succeed in their goals of purchasing and selling property including demonstrated success in the negotiation of Short Sale Transactions. You can contact us via e-mail @ info@auduhomes.com or by phone at 616-791-0511.
Lola, have you been reading Seth Godin? Your introspection rivals his and that is a huge compliment. Outside the box - this is very inspirational in a refreshing way.
Why Thank You Frank & Sharon. I enjoy Seth Godin and have read several of his books. I especially enjoyed his last book entitle 'Tribes.' Appreciate your stopping to read and your kind compliment.
Lola! SO true! I really don't think that many realize that they forget to show appreciation for the touches that others' make in their lives. It seems that our lives are going so very quickly that we often forget the simple things that mean so very much to others--like a simple 'thank you.' That goes a LONG way!
You know in todays society of entitlement and instant gratification your post is so refreshing and wonderful. I know a group of sassy mouthed teenagers that belong to me that will be getting a copy. Thanks.
Realizing that our differences are what make us similar is a real eye-opener. I relish any opportunity to experience 'differences' ... be it in geographical areas, personalities, styles, etc. It helps us grow. Simply.
You are a gracious and understanding lady ... and that's what makes you so very special.
The pleasure of someone invitation to their home needs to be appreciated and enjoyed. With an open mind toward learning something about the person and enjoying the time together with them.
You said simple but profound words here. "We get out of relationships what we put into them." Something for all of us to remember.
There is so much one can get out of what you have written. A mature attitude is needed to accept differences of others. We come from many upbringings.... I was exposed to attitudes that lavished criticism which made me become very defensive, and of course insecure. It was through the love and wisdom shown me of my husband that helped deliver me from the same ills i became a victim of.
Some lack of appreciation not shown by others is due to inner demons folks may still be struggling to overcome. I recognize where i was in some of these seemingly rude impolite people folks and make an effort to excuse them and extend extra love .... graciously.... like YOU do with us here.
Great lesson in this post for all of us. Thanks for the reminder of appreciation.
Lola, advice well worth remembering and following. All to often our attitude, or more importantly our gratitude is not what it should be.
Debe, Thanks for stopping by. Enjoyed reading through some of your blogs recently too. It's unfortunate that so often we miss the blessings which are extended to us because of selfishness and ungrateful attitudes.
Tammy...LOL, as a mom of teenagers, I understand. :)
Awww...thanks Carol. Our differences are some of the most interesting aspects of the human experience and also have within them some of the greatest opportunities for learning. But it isn't easy to develop and maintain this perspective...
Yes Lisa...it's a law that applies to life and business.
Terry, I'm often surprised by how many people never open up their homes to others. I think in some way it may reflect our willingness to open up our hearts. You're right...there is something special about sharing a meal with another person in their home which cannot be replicated in the same way in a restaurant.
Diane...you're right, it is a maturing process. And I think that in some ways, it's also a humbling process. As we become aware of our limitations, we can choose to be open to the grace that God has available to us if we're responsive and grateful or we can close up and ignore the manner in which 'help' appears simply because it's different from our expectations. But what a loss...
Thanks for stopping here and adding your insights...
Irene & Goerge...Thanks for your comments. Appreciate your stopping by.