Gratitude always with us

Gratitude is a universal sentiment known to people of every nation on earth and it has been throughout history. An old Estonian proverb admonishes, "Who does not thank for a little, will not thank for much." This suggests that we should be in the habit of giving thanks, even for small blessings. Another bit of advice from George Canning, 19th century British statesman, warns us, "When our peril is past will our gratitude sleep?" And, philosopher Cicero advises, "Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but it is the parent of all others."

Early American colonists were very aware of the need to express gratitude and began a tradition that today is Thanksgiving Day. They were grateful for a successful colony, for their neighbors some of whom were Indians, their crops, and family. Their actions seem to have followed the advice of an unknown author who said, "Hem your blessings with thankfulness so they won’t unravel."

Will Thanksgiving of 2012 find us grateful for our many blessings? This year has been a difficult one for many Americans with a poor economy, high unemployment, soaring inflation; natural disasters such as drought, wildfires, tornados, hurricanes and flooding and a restless violent world.

We may feel challenged to find reasons to give thanks this year. Yet, isn’t being thankful for what you have an important step in recovering from difficulties or disaster and pressing on?

No matter what your belief is of the afterlife the fact is that mortal life as we know it will end and the joy as well as the trials for us will be over. This seems all the more reason to be grateful for our blessings.

Perhaps the "Bard of Avon," William Shakespeare said it best, "O Lord that lends me life, lend me a heart replete with thankfulness." This recognizes the source of our existence as well as the temporary nature of life on earth. When we feel thankful it comes from the heart, not the mind, and happens when we know that something really touches us. This creates a feeling of gratitude and well being essential for a peaceful life. We start the process by saying thank you to those who have helped us and a creator who blesses us.

This coming holiday week many of us will participate in the traditions of family gatherings, a wonderful dinner with turkey and all the trimmings and spend some time with those we love; giving thanks will be a usual part of the festivities for many. There will be trips to grandma’s house, children dressed up and on their best behavior (or not) and friendly greetings and warm hugs. There will also be a time for shopping the early holiday sales, endless football games, and traditional parades. For many people on the East coast this will be a time of recovery and of hardship after a devastating storm.

We can be thankful that the presidential election is over and life can go on. One candidate had his wish come true but must be mindful of an old Chinese proverb which cautions; "Be very careful of what you wish for, your wish might come true." A divided America, bad economy, high unemployment, a looming "fiscal cliff" to be averted and a troubled world are not to be wished for. It’s possible we may be searching deeper next year for that which we are thankful.

If you’re seeking inspiration to give thanks consider the words of someone who has had a troubled life, country singer Willie Nelson. He said, "When I started counting my blessings my whole life turned around," Whatever your holiday brings — please, give thanks.