Editorial November 27, 1943 Issue

Gratitude

Evelyn F. Heywood

In human experience, gratitude is called forth as the result of kindness or generosity, bringing with it often a sense of obligation, a personal feeling of indebtedness. Because of this, it is likely to turn from gratitude to disappointment, even resentment, if the kindness or generosity is removed, or no longer measures up to what is anticipated. When men learn to be grateful for qualities expressed rather than for benefits received or hoped for, seeing them as the universal expression of the one Giver, the basis for appreciation and acknowledgment of all blessings will be established. Moreover, a fear of their capricious or unavoidable withdrawal will then be overcome. As long as the individual looks to persons as a means of good, as long as he seeks to influence or coerce others in obtaining or retaining favors, the source of permanent blessings is unknown.

In the French language it is notable that the word "gratitude" is identical with "recognition." With that in view we see that we are free to choose whether our recognition of good shall be merely personal or whether it shall be spiritual.

The remark is frequently heard, "I really am very lucky," as the individual contemplates his good fortune and blessings, sometimes in comparison with his more hapless neighbor. That which accepts luck or a haphazard contingency of circumstances as its arbiter can know no security. Only he who is conscious of God's government, of spiritual law, eternal, universal, unchanging, directing his thought, preserving his health, providing his substance, can feel such gratitude as is expressed in these words of Jesus: "Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. And I knew that thou hearest me always." He who begins in divine Science to comprehend his true being, and therefore his oneness with Mind, lays hold of the fundamental cause for gratitude. In spiritual communion, eternal knowing and eternal hearing are assured.

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