Maybe I am getting a little cranky. I was somewhat discomforted by the “Heroes Work Here” signs that were put up during the pandemic. Yes, the pandemic was (and-to a degree-still is) a major league hassle with sometimes deadly outcomes. And, I get that, say, a nursing home, for example, needed to try to keep some wind in the sails of their (not excessively compensated) staff. At the same time, it all reminded me of theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s ideas regarding “cheap grace.”
When someone feels compelled to tell people how smart or how rich or (insert virtue here) please consider that those traits should be evident to others without the need to verbally amplify them. Perhaps increase the actions that signal those traits and speak less? Although, watching those nursing home employees in action, the reminder of their underpaid efforts is as important for the relatives of the residents as it is the general public. Those that have cared for my mom throughout the Pandemic have been exceptional, possessing patience and grace I haven't always embodied myself. Now, my grumpy self needs to try harder:-)
Mildly Off Putting
When someone feels compelled to tell people how smart or how rich or (insert virtue here) please consider that those traits should be evident to others without the need to verbally amplify them. Perhaps increase the actions that signal those traits and speak less? Although, watching those nursing home employees in action, the reminder of their underpaid efforts is as important for the relatives of the residents as it is the general public. Those that have cared for my mom throughout the Pandemic have been exceptional, possessing patience and grace I haven't always embodied myself. Now, my grumpy self needs to try harder:-)