Article June 29, 1935 Issue

"Giving thanks"

ELSIE M. BROWN

In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul gives a helpful admonition, fulfillment of which is essential to spiritual growth. He says, "Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children." And he adds, "giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father."

Students of Christian Science who have not yet learned to obey Paul's admonition are perhaps overtaken with periods of gloom, fear, and discontentment which he of the more grateful heart excludes by a constant glow of gratitude. Why do storm clouds of morbid thinking darken our outlook on life, which seemed an hour ago so fair? Do God's mercy and goodness fail? Surely not. A gloomy mood is possible only because for the time being the heart has ceased its cheery song of loving gratitude. Hence fear, regret, and puzzlement are painting our erstwhile beautiful world in somber hues.

Our wise Leader, Mary Baker Eddy, has placed in the Church Manual (Art. XVII, Sect. 2) a loving command, obedience to which is a veritable armor against shafts of discouragement and evil. She says, "Gratitude and love should abide in every heart each day of all the years." Gratitude will turn all our experiences to good account. No cloud of regret can hold sway in the presence of joy over present progress and well-doing. No mist of discouragement can abide before the vision of ultimate and universal victory over evil. No shadow of self-pity can circumscribe the consciousness which is actively and increasingly cognizant of God's endless blessings. May it be that we forget to be grateful when thankfulness is most required? A reassuring beam from a lighthouse is most needed on a troubled sea.

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