My idea for this week's Wednesday's Walk came to me last week.  I knew that last week I was to write about Todd's grandmother.  In the process of writing, I went through some old photographs on my computer.  And I came across a couple of my little Elijah last February when he was in the hospital.  He was there because he had a severe case of pneumonia as a complication from getting influenza.

I'm sure that picture popped to me attention because Elijah has once again been fighting pneumonia.  Thankfully, he is older now, and I am more insistent for treatment.  He's almost back to his excited and normal self.  We had a couple of rough days, but overall his breathing is almost back to normal.

Elijah in the hospital 2/08

But that's not my memory.  My memory is  about when I was in the hospital with him, but doesn't really involve him.  It is about the power of the words, "Thank you."  You see, Elijah, since he had influenza which is highly contagious, was quarantined in his room.  And so was I.  Anyone that entered the room had to put on full garb...scrubs, gloves, mask, hair net, etc...  We'd easily fill the garbage can each day.  Well, every couple of hours I would hear the food cart and food service individuals coming through the pediatric floor.  Since I was nursing Elijah, the hospital provided food for me.  I quickly discovered that these workers had to don all the gear...everytime...in and out.  So I decided to meet them at the door.  They were stunned.  And then I told them, "thank you."  Many, many times.  And they were even more stunned.  One of the workers, a very sweet lady, told me that many times they aren't acknowledged at all.  And that people are often short with them.  I am sure that this is a very hard floor to work.  There were many ill children, and many sad parents. And these individuals are around sadness and sickness daily.  What a hard job.

When I uttered my little thanks, these people were grateful.  This is their job, and they are serving me.  They deserve thanks.  A smile, a helping hand.  I am thankful that there was someone to bring me food every day.  I didn't want to leave Elijah's side.  The thought of going down six floors to the cafeteria was not appealing.  So they brought me food.  And I am grateful.

So often, as we are caught up in the busy schedule of life, it can be easy to overlook those around us.  The cashier at Target.  The barista at Caribou (who I know well...grin).  The mailman.  The janitor at Costco.  The waiter.  Common courtesy and kindness tends to be set-aside as we scramble through our daily lives.  But what would happen if we took a second, and that's all it would be, and said, "Thanks."  Looked the cashier in their eyes and truly thanked them.  Wished them a good day.  I certainly know that there are times where I forget to be cordial.  But, I've also been in a service position.  I've dealt with crabiness, or aloofness, or in some worse the type of attitude that looked down on me.  It was awful.  I'd remind myself to not take it personally.  But sometimes I did.

Lately, I've been realizing how I need to be setting the tone for my children.  It's essential to nurture the power of THANKS in them.  I've taught them to thank their ballet teacher at the end of class.  They tell their grandparents thank you for the visit.  Simple thanks go so far: for the librarian after she helps them find a book, or the greeter at church, and even to their siblings.  Thank you's are powerful words.  Who knows just how important that second of thanks will be for the person on the receiving end.   When I read Proverbs I am daily reminded of the potency of our words.  For example, a favorite around our home is: 

"Pleasant words are a honeycomb sweet to the soul and healing to the bones."  

 So with that I want to thank you, my faithful readers. Hopefully this post was encouraging.  Think of how we can be lights in this world simply by being grateful. You know, I am grateful for you.  I appreciate every single comment, and read them all.  May you all be blessed.  Please remember to visit Dancing Barefoot on Weathered Ground for more memories.  You'll be thankful you did!  One more thing...if you're looking for another interesting memory with insight be sure to read my post from yesterday called how come you always put the peanut butter on first? You'll get a laugh...as well as a peek into my heart!

Rachel

Elijah today