Thank You Cards

Thank you cards. Yes, yes that is the hill I will die on. Here's why. We live in a world full of entitled folks, young and old alike. Usually someone who feels entitled to all things rarely gives as freely as he/she takes. There is a purity of heart in giving. I recall an old adage or cliche, but a true one that says 'it is in the giving that we receive'.  A world full of entitled people is dangerous and unacceptable to me for many reasons, but primarily because nothing is free. Nothing is owed or given to you simply because you exist. You should not get a trophy or award if you didn't win. I mean, blood, sweat, tears WIN.  Everyone does not always feel good about themselves or their deeds nor should they, and it's humbling. We all pick our battles based on our own beliefs, moral fiber, ideals, and energy level on any given day. So, I get it. I totally understand when we may not be as consistent as we desire to be regarding various life matters. However, thank you cards is one I will not compromise on.  It is imperative to me that my children understand that they are not entitled to gifts "just because".  If they cannot write and sign (my kindergartener) or color/scribble (my 3 year old) a thank you card for someone who has gone out of his/her way to generously give them a gift, then they need to return the gift. Here's how I see it, if you can't take the time to be grateful, then you are not worthy of the gift. Not to mention, if I don't teach them gratitude now, they may be deluded into thinking they should continue to get things in life despite being a jerk.  Trust me, I would rather not do thank you cards.  I spend a ridiculous amount of time sitting next to them, coaxing them, and explaining to them the value of gratitude for others' generosity of spirit.  I threaten to take away said gift until the thank you card is complete, and it's exhausting. But, I believe so deeply in the lesson behind a thank you card that it's non negotiable. So, yes, the thank you card is the hill I choose to die on.