Once you carry your own water, you will learn the value of every drop.
African Proverb
MEANING OF THIS QUOTE
Growing up, we often take a lot of things for granted. As kids, we hardly ever appreciate the little things our parents do for us. Whether it is the ice cream they get us on a scorching summer afternoon or the crayons they buy us for a school project, we seldom thank them for always being there for us. Things only get worse when our teenage years beckon, for this lack of gratitude gives way to endless complains. Sometimes it’s about the pocket money not being enough, while others it’s about our parents being unable to get us the bike our friend’s parents got them. Ironically, we realize the hardships they went through as parents when we become parents ourselves.
DO WE NEED TO THANK OUR PARENTS FOR EVERY SMALL THING THEY DO FOR US?
Ideally, yes. But the world is far from an ideal place and, honestly, you couldn’t thank your parents enough for the things they do for you. From bringing you into this world to educating you, there are just too many things to be grateful for. Besides, a heartfelt gratitude is much better than a feigned thanks, for the former radiates in your body language.
IS IT NORMAL FOR US TO BE UNAPPRECIATIVE OF OUR PARENTS’ SACRIFICES?
It is definitely common – most kids do not realize the efforts their parents put into ensuring their well-being. While parents can try to impart the value of gratitude to their kids, some lessons are best left to time. For example, most of us learn the value of money when we start earning ourselves. Likewise, it is not until we have to provide for our own kids do we realize how taxing it must have been for our parents to raise us.
CONCLUSION
Life is a great teacher. The things that we take for granted as kids suddenly begin to seem like an uphill task when we become parents ourselves. It is, therefore, important to acknowledge and appreciate the things our parents do for us. What seems simple to you as a kid might not be so simple for your parents, who often postpone their own happiness for the sake of ours. A timeless African saying highlights the humorous side of this age-old wisdom: “Once you carry your own water, you will learn the value of every drop.”