Article November 22, 1913 Issue

Thanksgiving Thoughts

MARY A. DAGGETT

To the Christian Scientist, the giving of thanks is a part of daily life, for his eyes have been opened as never before to the many good things for which to be grateful, so that much of his thankfulness is spontaneous. Gratitude is constantly commended by Mrs. Eddy both in her writings and her example, so that her worthy followers are accustomed to turn their thoughts with due recognition and acknowledgment to the giver of "every good and perfect gift," as well as to the gifts themselves. This mental training is found especially valuable at times of temptation to discouragement and depression, resulting from belief in the reality of some evil about which we are troubled. To turn resolutely away from the supposed evil to the opposite good, from the false material evidence to the spiritual facts, develops courage, strength, and self-control in the individual; and sooner or later the spiritual facts are expressed in harmonious conditions.

The Christian Scientist is taught, too, that true thankfulness is expressed in action, in unselfish deeds which bring good to others. "Gratitude," Mrs. Eddy lovingly reminds us, "is much more than a verbal expression of thanks" (Science and Health, p. 3). When, therefore, Thanksgiving day comes around, it finds many well fitted to celebrate it, and while they are more appreciative of so-called temporal things than formerly they knew how to be, it is not for feasts or outward prosperity that they are most glad; rather is it for "all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ."

For such blessings the writer had special reason last year to be thankful. Having no home of her own in which to celebrate the day, she had often been a fortunate guest in some happy home on that occasion; but this time no invitation came, and she began to think of what she might do to bring happiness to some one else. Among others things, she invited a friend to share with her the best feast she knew, the Thanksgiving service at The Mother Church; but the invitation was not accepted.

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