Editorial November 25, 2002 Issue

The genius of gratitude

Editor

As the year draws to a close, and many people plan get-togethers and family reunions, there are those who feel they have nothing to celebrate. People who are alone, sick, or poor sometimes feel their hurts and fears more keenly toward year's end when the images of happy home-comings and holiday celebrations become increasingly predominant.

But far from increasing unhappiness, a day of thanksgiving is meant to emphasize happiness. Traditions of gratitude are universal and have come to be for good reason. Over the centuries, people have seen that it is well worth the effort to count one's blessings, even when they seem few and far between.

On the world scene, there's a clear need to even begin to feel hope these days. Terrorism is a worldwide threat. Beyond global recession, there are countries that are in even more serious economic shape. Homelessness is an escalating problem worldwide. And, of course, there is constant talk about a possible war in the Middle East.

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