Taken For Granted?

Here I come again to write about yet another thing that I'm contemplating about.

We take many things for granted and only start noticing a bit seriously when there is a change. I can quote numerous examples for this, right from the milkman, newspaper boy, servant / maid, the delivery boys from big groceries / medical shops, the gas cylinder deliverer and so on. Yes, I accept the fact that they are not doing free service and we pay them, though complaining that they charge a lot these days for what they do.

Some days back, when rain was lashing the city hard, I was up, due to power cut, very early in the morning. After hearing the frogs orchestra with the rhythmic drumming of the rains, I felt it could be better to have a coffee. By Murphy's law, there was no milk packet in fridge. Our milkman delivers milk packets before 05.15 A.M. [God bless him]. And I haven't seen him even once. I was doubting whether he would come on time that day, as it was raining hard. I just went out and found the milk packets already there in the bag that we'd tied. One look at the watch told me that it was 04.45 A.M. As I looked up, I saw him for the first time. He was old [must be in sixties], lean, unshaven and was very wet. He just had a polythene cover that covered his head and shoulders. He was cycling away to another street. I thought of thanking him, but did not.

And, in the place where we live now, we get newspapers delivered late. I had the habit of reading it while having my first coffee, so, was often frustrated and complained to the agent about it. From the next week onwards, the paper was promptly delivered before 06.45 A.M. And as you guessed, I had never seen the one who did it. On that same day, I was sitting in the living room, keeping the door open and watching the rain. A boy, not more than 17 came. Unlike many others who threw the paper from road and wheel away, this boy kept the paper in the window sill and after ensuring that it wouldn't get wet, was about to leave. I stopped him, asking for the weekly magazine that was due that day. He hesitated, apologized and said that he forgot and asked me if it was ok to give it the next day. When I was not convinced, he said that he had no time then, as he had to read for exams. I nodded. Later, my wife told me that he had given the magazine in the afternoon.

Again, there is a little chance of me seeing either the milkman or the paper boy. But they do have their sense of commitment which warms me and teaches me something. Though they are mostly ignored, they still do their job and do not complain. And that can't be just equated with money. I wondered how many of us would be having the same attitude, when we are ignored at work or even while in home. Suddenly it dawned to me.

Am I not ignoring my dear ones and taking them for granted?

Everything whether it is big or small
Done on time makes a big difference.
Let us be grateful to one and all
Who do them without being indifferent.

Be it a little recognition
Or a gentle smile and a pat
It sure will reduce the friction
And may even trigger a start

Of a rewarding relationship
Which may last for years.
Though we may not be worshipped
We will be held as dear.

Lets not take things for granted,
As we won't like ourselves to be.
If we do, we will sure be granted
Something that keeps all, happy.

 

Wow! Thats too quick Mindi. Thanks a lot for your first and fast feedback. And yes, I too am in the same boat. And pranams to your father.

May be, this verse might help repair the bridge later on .
Patience is a virtue
Which only a few have
I don't hence please excuse
Me and kindly serve!

-rgs

 

Thats fantastic to hear, Kiranavvari. You are already one step ahead of me. Very glad to receive your feedback. And what you said just warms me a lot. -rgs

 

Thats exactly the point Aruna! Though they don't wait for our appreciation, we should still do it. Am extremely happy to receive your feedback and to know about your kind act Aruna. And kudos to his self respect too.
Thanks a lot. And, for the question you asked - Its ironical that you always lack something in life, whether
rich or poor. -rgs

 

Thats so nice of you Viji Madam. Very happy to receive your feedback. Thanks a lot. -rgs