Article December 13, 1969 Issue

Thanks in Advance!

LANSING B. LINDQUIST

How often we hear or use the phrase, "Thanks in advance!" For small favors or for large, when we are confident they will be granted, we express our gratitude in advance.

Gratitude for the courtesy that must be present before even a small favor is granted, grateful acknowledgment that kindness, helpfulness, and generosity are present in the one of whom the favor is asked—these are indispensable ingredients in any such situation, and they help bring the expected response.

Gratitude is indispensable to the solution of every problem. It is an ingredient automatically utilized for small favors but often overlooked in the solution of larger problems. "What have I to be grateful for?" we ask, and fall victim to self-pity. There is much to be grateful for, and the time to express our gratitude is before, as well as after, we see the evidence of the favor we are asking.

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