Sabbath Reflections - Gratitude

Robert W. Woodruff, a prominent business leader of a former time, toured the United States giving a lecture which he entitled “A Capsule Course in Human Relations.” In his message, he said that the two most important words in the English language are these: “Thank you.”1 In today's society, the words "thank you" or other expressions of gratitude are often passed by, not for wont of expression, but perhaps in feeling it unnecessary or a given. Even so, gratitude, when offered in sincerity renders to the heart of both the giver and the receiver a tenderness unmeasured. Expressions of gratitude reflect a sense of meekness and meekness is fundamental to our development of Christ-like attributes, even our discipleship. Gratitude expressed in sincerity, is a heartfelt reflection of appreciation for kindness and service rendered. It is an acknowledgement of praise, respect, honor and reverence. It further acknowledges our love for the giver of gifts and/or service. The absence of gratitude expressed is illustrative of disdain, enmity and pride.

Surely, as we look with perspective in our lives, there is nothing of which we have, materially or otherwise, that hasn't been given willingly to us. The air we breathe, the beauties of the earth, the physical capacities that we enjoy, the relationships that render joy to our hearts, the very essence of life and the tender mercies therein are precious gifts of a loving Heavenly Father and His Atoning Son. We are nothing, but for Their tender mercies and gracious love. As recorded in scripture, "O Lord my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever" (Ps 30:12); "And in nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath kindled, save those who confess not his hand in all things, and obey not his commandments." (D&C 59:21)

Heavenly Father and Christ, in Their infinite love and mercy, offer to us daily all that is needful for our eternal joy. When we "come unto" our Heavenly Father and Christ through our meek and humble supplications in prayer and fasting, we are expressing our gratitude to Them for all things and we are further enabled by Them in all things, even in our ability to "endure well" all things.

The infinite love of our Father and the Savior, at times are incomprehensible. However, the scriptures offer poignant glimpses to the love which they have and share with us. We can better understand this love and why Christ wept as He did, when we read the account of His visit to the Americas long ago -

"And they arose from the earth, and he [being Christ] said unto them: Blessed are ye because of your faith. And now my joy is full. And when he had said these words, he wept, and the multitude bare record of it, and he took their little children, one by one, and blessed them, and prayed unto the Father for them. And when he had done this he wept again." (3 NE 17:20-24)

His joy was full because of the devotions and love of His children, and He wept. Should we not also strive for His joyful weeping as a manifestation of our devotions. How grateful we should be for the scriptures and the perspective and understanding they bring. Further, there is great comfort in David, the Psalmist.

"Be still and know that I am God" (PSALM 46:10)

He is there and He knows and feels our pain, our challenges, our grief and our suffering. He can and does bring peace, joy and comfort in times of need. He that took all things upon Him, can and does give comfort and strength, even that which is necessary to enable us not only to endure, but endure well continually, if we will but let Him - if we will but let Him. We are promised in the scriptures, that He stands ready, we must then follow the counsel given, to learn of him, to come unto to him, to trust him and to love him. He cares and loves each of us.

When faced with challenges whether significant or routine, we can learn from the prophets of old and the prophets of latter days, thereby strengthening our faith. The Psalm of Nephi in 2nd Nephi chapter 4 states:

"Nevertheless, notwithstanding the great goodness of the Lord, in showing me his great and marvelous works, my heart exclaimeth: O wretched man that I am! Yea, my heart sorroweth because of my flesh; my soul grieveth because of mine iniquities. I am encompassed about, because of the temptations and the sins which so easily beset me.
And when I desire to rejoice, my heart groaneth because of my sins; nevertheless, I know in whom I have trusted. My God hath been my support; he hath led me through mine afflictions....He hath filled me with his love...Behold He hasth heard my cry by day..." (2 NE 4:17-30)

How then and what then is expected of us? What are we to do? We must pause regularly from our activities in the world, and re-evaluate our progress on the pathway of faith towards discipleship. We must chose a righteous path in his life, departing from the ways of the world, and serve our Heavenly Father and Christ. Our lives must be lives of meekness and submissiveness to our Heavenly Father and Christ. We must acknowledge and evidence our commitment to serve God the Father and His Son through our service to others. We must evidence our faith and trust in our Heavenly Father and His Son, manifest in our desire to serve Them. We must not experience the world but experience life in its most joyous and blessed way, by rendering service to the sons and daughters of Heavenly Father, that we might fully experience our faith in, and love of, Christ. And above all, we must, born in sincerety, give thanks thereto; not only to He who tenderly and lovingly gives all, but to all that we meet.

The beauty and eloquence of an expression of gratitude is further reflected in a newspaper story of some years ago:
The District of Columbia police auctioned off about 100 unclaimed bicycles Friday. “One dollar,” said an 11-year-old boy as the bidding opened on the first bike. The bidding, however, went much higher. “One dollar,” the boy repeated hopefully each time another bike came up. The auctioneer, who had been auctioning stolen or lost bikes for 43 years, noticed that the boy’s hopes seemed to soar higher whenever a racer-type bicycle was put up. Then there was just one racer left. The bidding went to eight dollars. “Sold to that boy over there for nine dollars!” said the auctioneer. He took eight dollars from his own pocket and asked the boy for his dollar. The youngster turned it over in pennies, nickels, dimes, and quarters—took his bike, and started to leave. But he went only a few feet. Carefully parking his new possession, he went back, gratefully threw his arms around the auctioneer’s neck, and cried. When was the last time we felt gratitude as deeply as did this boy? The deeds others perform in our behalf might not be as poignant, but certainly there are kind acts that warrant our expressions of gratitude.1

May our hearts be filled with gratitude and the constancy of our kind and tender expressions of thankfulness. I appreciate Leslie's Grateful Sunday posts.

1 TS Monson