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WISE WORDS
If the only prayer you said in your whole life was, "thank you," that would suffice.
*Meister Eckhart
I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought; and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.
*G.K. Chesterton
He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has.
*Epictetus
TODAY'S SCRIPTURE
Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
*I Thessalonians 5.18 (ESV)
REFLECTIONS
The Masai tribe in West Africa have an unusual way of saying "Thank You." Translators say when the Masai express thanks, they bow, put their foreheads on the ground, and say, “My head is in the dirt.”
When members of another African tribe want to express gratitude, they sit for a long time in front of the hut of the person who did the favor. They say, “I sit on the ground before you.”
Joel Gregory, who shared the above examples, comments, "These Africans understand well what thanksgiving is and why it's difficult for us: at its core, thanksgiving is an act of humility."
I have found Gregory's claim true. When I am most thankful, I am most unfocused on my perceived problems.
Paul tells the Thessalonians to offer thanksgiving in all circumstances. Let us look at this more closely.
The root word "give thanks" in the Greek is eucharisteo. This means "to be grateful, give thanks; feel thankful." The Eucharist derives from the same root; therefore, the Eucharist is the Thanksgiving Meal.
A Eucharistic person, therefore, has a specific feeling and action pertaining to gratitude. He or she habitually feels and expresses gratitude.
We are encouraged to this eucharistic spirit. Paul encourages us by saying: "for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." The Scripture implies that being a thankful person is possible "in Christ Jesus." To share the Spirit of Christ is to share the spirit of eucharistic thanksgiving. Paul reminds us that gratitude is possible for us each, when we nurture intimacy with Christ; then, the gratitude inherent in the Nature of Christ transforms us into the same likeness of thankfulness.
Again, returning to the story above, humility is linked with gratitude. Indeed, pridefulness often leads us to resentment and bitterness. We may think we are too good or deserving for the life we are given; rather, we can look humbly at our lives and say, "No, this is not the life I would have chosen, but I am grateful for it. I am thankful you are with me in this my life, and I give it to you as gift, My Lord."
PUTTING INTO PRACTICE
To "give thanks" is something we do. When we give thanks, we become more thankful. While we become more thankful, we give more thanks. Do not wait, then, to feel gratitude to practice gratitude. Begin now. By giving thanks, you will find yourself feeling and expressing more gratitude.
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*I am indebted to the following: Strong's Corcordance in the treatment of eucharisteo; www.sermons.com for the material from Joel Gregory; www.quotegarden.com for the opening wisdom quotes.
*Charitable contributions would be appreciated to assist Brian in continuing his ministry. For contributions, contact Brian at barukhattah@embarqmail.com .
*Brian's book of spiritual love poetry, An Ache for Union: Oneness with God through Love, can be ordered through major booksellers or the Cokesbury on-line store, cokesbury.com .
*Brian K. Wilcox, a United Methodist Pastor, lives in Southwest Florida. He is a vowed member of Greenbough House of Prayer, a contemplative Christian community in South Georgia. He lives a contemplative life and seeks to inspire others to enjoy a more intimate relationship with Christ. Brian advocates for a spiritually-focused, experiential Christianity and renewal of the Church through addressing the deeper spiritual needs and longings of persons.
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