The true meaning of gratitude

As a child, the first components of social etiquette I learned were the “magical” words please and thank you, generally used to get something I wanted. My realization that gratitude means much more came about just a few years later.

One morning, I was walking to school. A few yards ahead of me was a boy I recognized from the neighborhood. Suddenly, he turned to face me, raised his arms and shouted, “STOP.” Startled into immobility, I remained frozen as a car, hidden by a hedge, passed in front of me, moving rapidly from driveway across sidewalk to street. Almost 70 years later, as I remember the event, my heart overflows with gratitude for that youth. In fact, I believe I have more gratitude today as I fully realize what his actions prevented.

Meister Eckhart said, “If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is thank you, it will be enough” for it recognizes the undeniable fact that all you see; all you have; all you are; and all you will ever see, have and be is a gift. When this awareness finds a place in the heart, it calls forth action. Being grateful is transformative. This is revealed in the choices and decisions we make to choose life, not just for ourselves, but for others. Gratitude requires continuance, duplication, in other words, it requires action so that others too may experience its joys and benefits.

Gratitude motivates us to the more—more love for God and the Dear Neighbor. Our 23 Los Angeles Province jubilarians and their 1,475 years of service are a visible proof of this fact. Their “Yes” was and continues to be a humble acknowledgment of God’s goodness and love and their desire to share that, to be that for others. Digo sí, Señor.

“For all that has been, Thanks. To all that shall be, Yes.”

Dag Hammarskjold