Article November 4, 1996 Issue

Gratitude even in tough times

Nathan A. Talbot

If our priorities in life are a little fuzzy, tough times can wake us up to what's really important. Maybe we've reached a point where literally we have very little. Or maybe we've entered what society thinks is the promised land of material prosperity, but still feel we've got very little.

Whatever our station in life, if we are yearning for a deeper sense of completeness and fulfillment or satisfaction—if life feels like a gas gauge moving toward "empty"—it may be time for fresh answers. Not that tried and true answers should be brushed aside. For instance, there's a lot to be said for the age-old approach of being grateful for the good we do have. An earnest and honest gratitude for some little bit of present good—even if we really have to dig deep and hard to recognize it—can open doors to resolving a dilemma. Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy puts it this way: "Are we really grateful for the good already received? Then we shall avail ourselves of the blessings we have, and thus be fitted to receive more" (p. 3).

How graphically this was illustrated when Christ Jesus was faced with thousands of hungry people. A few fish and loaves of bread were about all that was available. So what did he do? The very opposite of what most of us would do. Something his own disciples hadn't thought of doing. He gave thanks. The thousands were fed. And there were baskets left over! (See Matt. 14:15–21.)

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