Article September 22, 1980 Issue

Be a "thank-you thinker"

MARY H. REED

One morning before daybreak I peered out of my window at a morning-glory vine. Aware that the flowers are new each day, I was surprised to see by the faint streetlamp that several trumpetlike blossoms had already opened with no sunlight to encourage them. This reminded me that we can express gratitude even though physical improvement or human progress may not yet be visible.

The vine became a symbol to me that expressing gratitude is possible and fruitful even when a situation seems dark. Such an attitude opens our minds, making us more receptive to clear thinking and to healing. Morning glories do not wait for the light in order to blossom—to glorify their corner of the garden. Their example encouraged me to think my thanks much earlier and more frequently—to be a "thank-you thinker."

We might begin with gratitude to God for His allness and loving care for His idea, man. There are many specific statements in the Bible and in Mrs. Eddy's writings that lead us to rejoice in these truths, and to be grateful for the perfection of God's creation. One in Science and Health is her metaphysical interpretation of man: "The compound idea of infinite Spirit; the spiritual image and likeness of God; the full representation of Mind."^{Science and Health, p. 591;} An appreciative attitude enables us to recognize divine intelligence governing our affairs, allowing us to make the right decisions and grasp an entire situation—not only the part that affects us. We can thank God for energy and strength, for awareness and memory, not just at the end of the day but as each activity develops. These thanks keep us open to increased understanding of God as the creator of man.