Gratitude

Faith is a lot about gratitude.

Gratitude is a sign of faith, as we acknowledge the involvement of G-d in our lives.

But is faith really required in order to be a grateful person? Don’t all decent people say ‘please’ and ‘thank you’? 

There’s a subtle, yet profound difference between basic gratitude that any decent human being offers, and the inspired gratitude of the person of faith. The difference is in the order, which comes first - the ‘please’ or the ‘thank you’.

Every decent person will say ‘please’ when making a request and ‘thank you’ when their request is granted. That’s not a sign of great virtue, just simple decency.

Faith and spirituality challenge us to say ‘thank you’ and then say ‘please’.

We all begin our day with ‘prayers’ and hopes for a successful day. This doesn’t necessarily make me a good person.

Q. Which State in the Union has the most prayer? A. Nevada. At each slot machine there’s someone praying for a win…

The person of faith begins the day with loads of thanks, expressing gratitude for all the wonderful blessings they already have. Only afterwards might they also make a request for additional blessings. (In fact, the Jewish prayer-book opens with many pages of gratitude before any requests are made).

There’s a story of a fellow who was running late to a business meeting in downtown Brooklyn, and was having trouble finding a parking spot.  The meeting was very important to him and he didn’t want to be late. After circling the block 7 times, he offered G-d a deal: “Find me a spot and I’ll begin to observe the Sabbath… I promise!” At that very moment a car pulled out immediately in front of him. Turning heavenward he said: “Not to worry… I managed on my own.”

Everyone ask for additional blessings. The inspired person doesn’t take for granted the blessings he already has.

Now, that’s virtue.

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Why does the person of faith not take blessings for granted?

True faith is not merely the belief that the world has a Creator whom we call G-d. That’s common sense. Faith is the belief that the Creator is intimately involved in our lives on a real-time basis.

G-d is not merely a Heavenly Hand that can sometimes "come down" and make magic when I most need His help. G-d is my Creator, my best friend and my source of life, minute by minute. He is with me every moment of every day. I breath – because He breathes into me, each moment, the breath of life. I think – because He constantly blesses me with wisdom.  I succeed – because He guides my hand.

My life is an extension of His.

My success is His success.

He’s not an outside consultant; He’s an “equal” partner.

I don’t want Him to give me stuff… Everything I have is thanks to Him. I just want Him to stay around, to always be with me. With every breath, I celebrate our relationship. It’s nothing to take for granted.

Happy Thanksgiving!