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.
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