Article July 22, 1916 Issue

Gratitude

GRACE P. LIPPITT

In Christian Science much stress is laid upon the need of expressing our gratitude. In the opening chapter of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 3) Mrs. Eddy says, "We plead . . . for a liberal outpouring of benefactions. Are we really grateful for the good already received?" In the Bible we are counseled over and over again to give thanks and rejoice, and the seeker after true happiness wonders why this is so important ; what are the results of ingratitude and of the opposite state of mind?

The consequences of ingratitude are many, and they may be illustrated by the following incident. One Fourth of July a three year old child greatly admired the flags displayed and desired one for her own. That evening a friend gave her a tiny flag, but she absolutely refused to say "Thank you" for it. As this was unusual, the mother later asked her why she was so impolite. "I wanted a bigger one !" was the answer. The small flag was the right size for her baby hands, and all the beauty of color and design was there, but joy was taken out of the possession because the child imagined a larger flag better than hers.

How often do we "children of a larger growth" feel the same way concerning the gifts and opportunities our Father sends! Some problem is before us, an opening appears, but it is put aside as too insignificant, and thus we lose for the time being the joy of conquest and of growth. We forget that as our hand (the symbol of power) becomes larger, the work and the joy of reward as well will be greater. May that not have been the trouble with the man who received but one talent? It is ours to make good use of the talents God gives, and it matters not whether they be one or twenty.

Send a comment to the editors

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit

Gratitude

We'd love to hear from you!

Sign up for unlimited access