A Torah Minute: Sound familiar?

I recently heard a cute metaphor.
Cute, but deep.
It’s about a person who was laid off from work.
He and his wife were trying to keep their heads above water.
They were near the breaking point.
One day when he was going through his mail?
There was an envelope from a friend.
And in it?
$1,000!
“I understand you’re going through very tough times.
I was once not as blessed as I am now.
And someone extended a helping hand to me.
I hope this will help you weather the storm.
And someday?
G-d willing, you will help someone else.”
He was very touched and couldn’t wait to share the news with his wife.
“We can finally pay the rent. Our electric bill. Buy clothes for the kids”.
And he called and thanked his friend profusely.
“How can I ever thank you enough”!
The friend responded, “I’m happy I’m able to help.
Someday you’ll do the same for someone else”.
Next month?
Sure enough.
Another $1,000.
Of course, he called again.
Thanked him profusely.
Next month…
Again.
It continued for a few months.
He appreciated it tremendously.
But, by now, he was almost expecting it.
And as much as he called to say thank you?
It was with a little less passion.
… There was not much happening on the job front.
Mazal Tov!
Their daughter got engaged to a wonderful young man!
Things were still very tight.
It would have to be a small wedding.
But he and his wife were still overwhelmed.
Sure enough?
Another envelope…
$5,000!
“I know how expensive a wedding can be.
Someday, you’ll help someone else!
Just enjoy the big day”!
He and his wife were so appreciative.
He called his friend immediately.
“You are amazing!
Thank you so much for the $4,000”!
The friend got nervous.
Did someone tamper with the envelope?
“Are you sure there was only $4,000?
Should be $5,000”.
The man’s reply?
“Oh yes. There was $5,000.
Thank you very much…
But $1,000 you were giving me anyways”!
… What’s with this guy?
We may have more in common with him than we think!
Most of us get “envelopes” from G-d!
We’re blessed in so many ways.
Sometimes it’s hard to contain our excitement.
Like the birth of a child or a grandchild!
“G-d, what a miracle! You are so good to me!
Or a medical scare that turns out okay.
“G-d! How can I thank You enough!
I’m transformed.
I will never be the same”!
… But then there are the everyday things.
Like waking up in the morning!
Our health. A job. Food on the table.
Our spouses. Other special people in our lives.
Do we sometimes sound like that guy?
Have we come to expect those things?
To take them for granted?
Were we…
“Getting those things anyways”?