Article November 25, 1905 Issue

Thankful for Gratitude

REV. JAMES J. ROME.

Among the many specific reasons for gratitude to which our thoughts may revert at the Thanksgiving season, there is perhaps none more worthy of our attention than gratitude itself. What would the world do without if: How cold, dreary. and uninteresting would our earthly existence be. if there were no grateful response to the love which is manifested in a kind, generous heart and life. How long would it take the bloom of charity and philanthropy to fade and wither away, in the chill of such an atmosphere?

It is true that our generosity should be actuated by higher motives than the mere expectation of thanks, praise, or flattery, nevertheless there is a reciprocal relationship existing between men which demands an honest, hearty, and grateful recognition of every act or word of unselfish kindness. It is this recognition, and the appreciation of such word or act, which constitutes the real pleasure experienced in the acceptance thereof. Thankfulness always gives pleasure, both to the donor and the recipient of the kindness. Like mercy, "It is twice blest: It blesseth him that gives and him that takes." Not only so, but it gives out an aroma of cheer that brings pleasure to all within its environment. Who can hear an earnest expression of thanks without feeling better for it? We cannot even listen to a hearty "Thank you," spoken on the street as we pass along, without feeling a thrill of satisfaction. And what shall we say of the peace and joy that is felt when one who has been delivered from some distressing condition takes his benefactor by the hand, and, mayhap with tear-dimmed eye, endeavors to express the deep and sacred impulse of overflowing gratitude. As nature responds to the sun's tender rays, in the soft shimmer of the lake's rippled bosom or in the perfumed breath from the petals of the blushing rose, so does the heart that is ready to respond in gratitude to an expression of unselfish love, reflect the glory and beauty of a divine impulse.

In the proportion that we appreciate a gift will we be grateful, and, conversely, in the proportion that we are grateful will we be appreciative. That a great blessing has been brought to us to-day, in the revelation of Christian Science, cannot be denied: are we ready to accept this gift of love? Are we desirous of appreciating it more fully, of understanding it better, and of appropriating more of its gracious healing and saving power? Then let us be grateful to God for the help it has already brought us, and let our gratitude to her who has labored so earnestly, incessantly, and patiently to impart to us this precious gift, stimulate us to follow her more closely in the way, as she has revealed it to us in our text-book. Then will we be thankful indeed for gratitude, for through it we shall be fitted to receive more of divine Truth and Love, and so be led on and up "unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ."

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