Editorial November 20, 1909 Issue

THE NOBLER THANKSGIVING

John B. Willis

Once upon a time there was a small boy who, being given a sugar-plum, proceeded to swallow it without indicating in any way his appreciation of the kindness of the giver; whereupon the latter said, "Well, aren't you thankful for it?" "Yes," he answered: "I be. Gimme another."

This little story serves to illustrate an aspect of asserted human gratitude which we have all noted in others, surely, if not in ourselves. It is that expression of physical satisfaction, together with a longing desire for its repetition. which pertains to the pleasure-seeking world. Such a giving of thanks is recognized as conventionally fitting, and it may be a distinctly better attitude of mind than that of indifference to favors bestowed. True gratitude, however, is an entirely different thing. It is felt and expressed only when wholesome "creature comforts" are recognized as symbols of that spiritual good which comes from God alone.

When aspiration and desire are centered upon the real and divine as the source of all true satisfaction, our gladness over the "hundredfold in this present life" is altogether commendable; but when we are so far content with material things that we think of their increased possession as essential to our happiness, then our thanksgiving is flavored with that "gimme another" quality which is wholly self-centered and unideal.

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