Esti and her father share a close bond. One of the many things she admires about him is his sweetness and thankfulness to those who benefit him. He regularly thanks people who provide him with assistance and he does it with such heartiness. The guy at the bank the mailman Ima when she makes dinner her brother’s rebbi… they all get warm thank-yous for the many services they perform. One warm spring afternoon Esti and her father are coming up their driveway as the meter checker from the gas company is leaving. “Here’s a gentleman who works for the gas company… he’s someone who helps keep the gas and electricity flowing in our home. Let’s thank him for that kindness!” her father preps her. “How is that a kindness?” Esti wonders aloud. “He’s just doing his job!” “True ” her father explains “but imagine our lives if gas and electricity wouldn't be available. Simply envisioning the inconvenience complexity danger and hardship it would cause boggles my mind! We’re so fortunate.” Esti ponders this. There are so many things she thinks of as “have-tos”. These are the many tasks and roles that people play in her life often even for a salary. If it is their job anyway where’s the chesed in what they’re doing? Why does she owe them gratitude? 

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