trust

I was driving home yesterday and I was thinking about all the bad news I am hearing everyday; at work, from friends and neighbors, on the radio.

I was feeling pretty grateful for all the good things that I have going in my life. My family, my friends, my career.

I was struck by a thought. Everything I am grateful for I have because someone at some point trusted me enough to place something they valued greatly in my hands. Often with little proof I would care for it with the same degree of value.

A friend trusted her reputation for me to get a job that in turn put me on my current career track of 18 years.

My love and now wife trusted me with her heart when everyone around her said I would never be any good.

My in-laws trusted me to take care of their daughter when I was clearly not what they had intended for her.

My boss trusted me with his buisness and his reputation. He allowed me run free to build and create when others felt I was a loose cannon.

My co-workers trust me everyday to make good decisions on our direction; even when they do not agree.

My kids trust me to love and protect them endlessly, when there is probably not enough evidence for an adult to make that same leap. 

Friends trust me with their families, their weaknesses and their love.

The list just goes on and on.  Once I start thinking about the amount of trust placed in my hands it get pretty difficult to feel bad about any blip on my radar.