Goodness Gracious

As you may know, I occaaaaaasionally use this blog to bust objectionable behavior.  It happens.  While I wish I could take the high road and shrug off most of the bothersome stuff, sometimes it boils to the surface and just has to be dealt with. 

This is one of them times.  

Here's the peeve, sans the pet.  If someone is kind enough to do something good for someone else ... than that someone else should do something good for them.  Period.  End of story. 

Sadly however, all too often those that are graced, merely use that grace; never to return the favor, or even a semblance of a return favor.  As hard as that indifference and lack of appreciation is to fathom or comprehend, it's even harder to justify.  Sure, we should help others without expecting anything in return.  Especially if the favor can never be matched.  Doing good without expecting repayment is at the heart of most religions, let alone parenting and servant leadership.

That said, there are certain good deeds that absolutely warrant a quid quo pro - assuming that the person on the receiving end of the good deed isn't a completely selfish moron, ingrate, scallywag, bum or loser. (Hmm, maybe that's the problem right there?)      

Now, there's no need to list specific examples of when we should be gracious to others for their good deeds.  I think we know it, when we know it.  Or at least we should, assuming we're not a completely selfish moron, ingrate, scallywag, bum or loser. (Is there an echo in here?).  If someone goes to bat for us, we go to bat for them.  If someone lends us a helping hand, we lend one back.  If someone does something that positively impacts our world, we do something to positively impact them back.  That's the deal. 

Sure, not all good deeds can be equally repaid.  Nor should they.  But they absolutely, positively, no-doubt-about-it-ly can be given appreciation in one form or fashion.  If the reciprocal deed can be somewhat equal to the other, great.  If it can't, but it's still meaningful nonetheless (i.e. a card, or a call, or a hug) - that's great too.  Do what we can.  When we can. With what we have.  

Being Gracious Is Good. 

Who Deserves A Tribute?

As you probably know (well, unless you live under a rock or are a St. Louis Cardinals fan; Ogres both the same) - Starbucks just celebrated their 40 year anniversary.  Good for them.  Now, knowing that Starbucks has lots of fans, as well as some detractors, I'm not going to try and establish any type of position one way or another. After all, I'm a lover not a fighter, with the exception to Cards fans; 'cause that's just the way us Cubbies role.  (Can you tell it's the start of baseball season ;)

What I will do for Starbucks, in addition to giving them lots of my hard earned coin - is give them some kudos and props on their Tribute campaign.  Dig it.  (Also dig their new Tribute blend: both invigorating and yummy.)  And what makes the campaign special, is its choice of word: Tribute. 

It's a fantastic word.  Clear.  Definitive.  Purposeful.  Sure, saying thanks is fine.  But the word Tribute - more so giving it - is much more better.  It's different and unique, but with a been there/done that comfort; kinda like a great pair of slippers.  But hey, why should Starbucks have all the glory and upside with the word Tribute.  We can all use it.  Pilfer away! 

Seriously, think about who you should "Tribute" and then give them a Tribute.  And this isn't just a business/customer/employer kinda thing.  Nope.  This is a give Tribute to anyone who has, is, or can make a difference in your life kinda thing.  Here's an idea: let's take an hour out of this week to list all of those who we should pay "Tribute" to - and then do it.  Pay them Tribute.  And not by email, text, Twitter, Facebook or smoke signals.  But in person, or the very least, by phone.  You might even want to throw in a high five, or a hug, or a card, or a meal, or a big wet kiss.  Your call.

Go on.  Give it a go. See what happens. 

My bet is, you'll rock their day.  

Tributes Are Good.