Gratitude

The American poet Carl Sandburg said: "When a nation goes down…or a society perishes, one factor will always be true - the people will forget where they came from. They lose sight of what brought them this far. What is true of nations is also true of individuals."

Foreign invaders are not usually the ones causing the destruction of a nation. It is the inward decay of society that weakens moral and spiritual fiber, allowing an outside force to walk in and take over.

Historian Wil Durant observed that one of the indications that decay is prevalent is the inability to express personal gratitude.

As we wander over the many facets of our lives, we cannot help but be amazed. Here and there are the works of love, the signs of goodness, the indications of grace. Here and there are the gifts of compassion, the fruit of service, the signs of hope, blessings undeserved.

There are many things to be thankful for: the gentle touch of a friend, a surprise birthday party, an exhilarating mountain climb, a wonderful meal, a quiet walk, a stimulating conversation, a baby's smile, the scent of flowers, the chirping of birds, a gripping book, a mellow sunset, a sense of God's presence, a moment of solitude, mad hilarity with friends, a prayer, silence, peace, friendship, and family.

We need eyes to see and a heart to appreciate what has been given to us; otherwise, we become so bent on wanting more through comparing ourselves with others that we fail to enjoy the good that is in our hands.

Three words will help us define gratitude. They are the prepositions to, for and in.

First, gratitude should be directed to someone: to God for His blessings, or to your parents for support. Gratitude without connection is meaningless.

The second preposition, for, defines the gratefulness you feel. For what are you grateful? Your health, your family, your friend, your spouse.

Finally, we must learn to be thankful in every situation.

The book of Psalms is full of passages overflowing with thanksgiving to the Almighty in different circumstances. Some were written in prison, others from the sick bed.

Gratitude is a habit that must be cultivated. It cannot be an occasional afterthought. It is a way of life in which the gift is celebrated and the giver is thanked.