Article October 1, 1932 Issue

Expressing Gratitude

ARTHUR T. LEWIS

It is easy to express gratitude after receiving some long desired favor or upon achieving some long sought objective. Amid halcyon days, when skies are bright and every hope seems well-nigh realized, thankfulness wells up without effort. In the seeming presence of pain, lack, or loss, it may not seem so simple to be grateful. Yet every student of Christian Science knows that gratitude is vital to his wellbeing, vital to his health and harmony.

In the face of a disappointed hope, how can one truly and with pure motive express gratitude? Surely one way is to persist, with all the fervor of one's understanding, in affirming man's spiritual nature and perfect wholeness as the likeness of God, infinite good. Thus one may honestly acknowledge gratitude for a demonstration which has yet to become appreciable to human perception. A perfect example of this state of mind is found in Jesus' attitude at the tomb of Lazarus. Despite the contrary beliefs of those about him, Jesus was able to offer thanks for a fact of which he was certain, and which he knew was about to be made manifest to skeptical onlookers. "Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me," he said, "and I knew that thou hearest me always." And Lazarus arose from the tomb.

Though we may not yet feel capable of reaching so high a plane of spiritual realization as that of Jesus, we can, nevertheless, make a positive beginning in that direction. Mary Baker Eddy has written, on page 3 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures": "Are we really grateful for the good already received? Then we shall avail ourselves of the blessings we have, and thus be fitted to receive more."

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