I had the good fortune of being invited, together with my friend Carlo to talk during a workshop entitled “Design Matters”. It was held at the DLS-CSB School of Design and Arts. What made it special was the fact that I came from the School of Design and Arts and it was nice to be invited back to speak.
However much as I went there to impart some knowledge to the students, I also a recipient of a simple life lesson that we people often overlook and take for granted.
Before our talk, I had the chance to see a friend that I have not seen in a long time. I saw Robert while waiting for the sessions to begin. We exchanged pleasantries and I mentioned to him that I saw his pictures from his recent trip to Europe. I told him that I admired his pictures and told him how lucky he was to be able to do that.
His answer surprised me and struck me. It struck me because of its simplicity and how he said it. Robert said, yes, I am blessed and I am really thankful for it.
Normally when you complement people about their blessings whether it’s a new pair of shoes, a nice watch or a fancy car, they would often reply with a phrase that will downplay the blessing. People will, “no, it’s not nothing” or something to that effect. People often deflect or downplay their blessings.
Robert on the other hand said it simply. He affirmed his blessings and was thankful for it. He said when people ask me about the things he does, he would just reply that yes, he is blessed and he is very thankful. Not a lot of people are able to experience his blessings. That’s not something to look down upon.
I realize now that when we have blessings, we shouldn’t try to brush it aside. When people compliment us we should just simply thank their compliments and say that we are grateful that we are blessed by God. There’s nothing wrong about being blessed. In fact giving thanks to God for the blessings is good. It tells God that in good times we have not forgotten him. It tells him that we are grateful that he has chosen us as a recipient of his good graces.
Robert, thanks for reminding me that when people tell me I am blessed I should just acknowledge the kind words and thank God for the life, the family, the experiences he has blessed me with.
Thank you God for the blessings. I am truly lucky that you have looked favorably upon me and my family. I wish that the person reading this is blessed as well.