I was listening to an interview with author Diana Butler Bass the other day, in which she reminded us that some of the most grateful people -- not just those who are profuse with their thanksgiving on Thanksgiving -- are those who have suffered. Suffered oppression, persecution, sickness, war... And while chances are that few of you reading this have suffered these things, which I would not wish on anyone, there's something we all have in common:
We've lived through a pandemic.
Not that it's over. And it isn't as if we haven't lost friends and loved ones to Covid. This disease has now killed more people in the US than in the Civil War or the great influenza pandemic of 1918. As of this writing, over 5.1 million people have died worldwide.
As I've been ruminating on this, I've been thinking, "What better time to cultivate gratitude?" I don't know anyone whose life has not been profoundly affected by this virus. Some have lost their jobs, others' livelihoods (including mine) have taken a hit, kids have missed school, and bitter divisions have arisen in an already fractured society.
Psychologists tell us that gratitude can have a significant impact on not only our mental health, but even our physical health. So surely this is the perfect time (not just because it's Thanksgiving) to make this an important part of our lives, if it isn't already. Not that we're thankful for the pandemic, but for the ways it has stretched us, forced us to become more intentional, creative, and I could go on.
But there's a difference between feeling grateful and actually thanking.
I believe there is a human impulse, when made aware of a particular blessing, serendipity, or whatever name you give to it, to thank someone. I wrote a couple of months ago on the importance of going back and thanking our mentors, those who have led, taught, or influenced us at various stages of our journey. But it goes so far beyond that.
I've been through a lot of stages regarding my faith over the years, leaving nothing off limits for reexamination. But one thing I cannot shake is the impulse to thank Someone. For me, it's God. I am unable to erase the distinction between Creator and created.
But I am also learning the importance -- and the incredible impact it can have on my life and those around me -- of horizontal thanks as well. Of thanking the delivery driver, the cashier, my wife -- anyone whose service or life improves my own.
So as we enter this Thanksgiving week, may we express the gratitude we feel -- and may it become a way of life, long after the pandemic is a memory.
Happy Thanksgiving.