Gratitude

From a very early age when I was handed something, I remember being told to look into the person’s eyes and say “thank you.” This behavior or discipline if you will became a habit. The practice began with small gifts and evolved into more sophisticated ways of receiving, like recognizing the gifts found in nature, relationships, freedom, wisdom and so much more. This awareness of receiving and giving was often a request, an exchange was made, something was given and a response was received. Like the Christmas I asked for a Chatty Cathy doll and upon receiving it, thanked my parents although they may have pondered the wisdom of their decision shortly after the box was opened and I began pulling the string on the doll’s back.

Past high school opportunities for expressing gratitude numerous. Just to give one example. My first year in college, when I received an A in geography, a course I was close to failing; the higher grade meant a lot. The day of the exam, I barely made it to class as the Ohio State University was barricaded due to protests against the Viet Nam War and the National Guard were everywhere. The professor may have determined that the five of us who showed up to a usually packed lecture deserved above average grades for merely showing up. I don’t know for sure the professor’s intent, but the good grade was a gift at the time.

At the stage of young adulthood obtaining a job dancing professionally, making new friends, feeling safe living in a major city, and living on my own were but a handful of the experiences for which I expressed gratitude. The concept itself had became more expansive. Opportunities to be grateful were everywhere: smiling at a passing strangers, appreciating the changing seasons, freedom to think, teach, and grow were all things for which I expressed gratitude.

And today, acutely aware of a changing world—having access to clean drinking water, organic food, the services others provide, and health are clearly not things to take for granted. These are life-giving experiences for which mere words never quite seem adequate but still significantly shape the ways we behave in a fast-paced world.

Perhaps this is a time for fewer yet simple words and “thank you” seems to be more than enough. If you want to contemplate on the gift of gratitude consider—“A Good Day” With Brother Steindl-Rast” gratefulness.org.