Real Value

The definition of ‘value’ in the dictionary is: “The regard that something is held to deserve; the importance, worth, or usefulness of something.”

I heard someone talking yesterday about how his car had lost its value, then he joked, “kinda like my wife.” Sure it was a joke, but got me thinking. How much do we actually value? Why is it that people seems to lose their value in the scheme of things as they age? Why do we try to de-value anything or anyone that doesn’t fit in our box of beliefs about…well, anything?

What about that sweet lady next door who can barely hear, but has a great smile, and would sure like to have a conversation with someone. How is it that people find no value in her anymore? In the definition above where it says, ‘the importance, worth, or usefulness of something…is that to mean she has lost her worth and usefulness? She still has wisdom to impart. She still has dreams, and love in her heart. What about that nice clerk that checks us out at the grocery store? Do we value his/her service to us? During the worst of Covid, those clerks that came to work every day so we could get our food, to me, were heroes. Cars may lose their value, but people never should.

We all rush through our days, dashing to appointments, running the kids around, working at our jobs…me included, and forget all about how everyone we encounter is valuable in our lives. Value is not reserved simply for those that are our nearest and dearest. Sometimes that smile, or the pause we take to listen for a minute when that clerk tells us about their cat being sick, can make a difference. It’s that energetic touch that unites us all.

I value so many people that have passed through my life, but I’m also going to make an extra effort to let those I don’t know, understand that I find value in them as well.

Who do you value?

Ciao for now.