Article May 4, 1940 Issue

Appreciation and Gratitude

ALICE S. HINKSON

Much is said about appreciation and gratitude. And how true it is that each one at some time in his experience must learn their real meaning! The true concept of these qualities, gained through spiritual understanding, bears rich fruitage in a more unselfed love for all mankind.

One definition of "appreciation" is "full recognition of worth," whereas "gratitude" is defined in part as "friendly feeling toward a benefactor, prompting one to repay a favor." However, it has been a common tendency to regard appreciation and gratitude from a personal basis, and the seeming absence of them has often resulted in criticism, condemnation, and hurt feelings in families and among friends and business associates. How many times, too, a spontaneous and loving expression, a thoughtful word or kind act, has brought the giver no joy or satisfaction because of an apparently unappreciative or ungrateful attitude in the recipient!

At one time a young student of Christian Science found herself bitterly ruminating the lack of appreciation and gratitude on the part of a member of her family to whom she had given much in the way of unselfish service and tender consideration. In talking with a more experienced worker in Christian Science, she was given the illuminating assurance that all we need ever be concerned about is the answer to the questions: "How much am I appreciating God's love and goodness to me? How much gratitude am I showing Him by loving my fellow man in the bountiful measure wherein He loves us?" So instantly and completely did this lift the young student's thought to a more spiritual perception of these qualities, that she became concerned only that she herself should not be remiss in daily rendering to her heavenly Father "full recognition of worth" and gratitude for His blessings. The remembrance of this beautiful lesson has continued to result in a richer sense of loving-kindness toward all, and greater spiritual growth.

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