On Giving Thanks

It is said that we often fail to recognize the value of a thing until it has become a memory—that loss, therefore, is the catalyst of true appreciation. Surely we can all relate to this sentiment to some extent. A friend asks to borrow a book that has sat on its shelf in your study collecting dust for countless years. You hand it to him without a second thought, only to find yourself recalling the book’s merits later that day, taken at once by an urge to read it, now that it is no longer available to you. If it is fair to say that a habit shared by a great majority of a population is endemic to that populace or culture, perhaps it is also reasonable to suggest that a habit common to most of the world is simply an aspect of human nature. But whether we are inclined over time to grow comfortably indifferent to the people, places, and things that enrich our lives is not finally the point. What matters is whether we allow ourselves to succumb to this ruinous pitfall. Must we really suffer a loss to fully appreciate what we have?

Let us first set a meaning to the word. Appreciation is a feeling or expression of admiration, approval, or gratitude. To appreciate a thing is to recognize and celebrate its qualities. We express our appreciation through gratitude. Particularly where people we value are concerned, conveying gratitude is an essential act of goodwill and cordiality. It is a powerful bolster of bonds, a representation of the intrinsic merit these special individuals hold with us.

In order to properly appreciate the people, places, and things that are meaningful to us, we must first identify precisely what they are. Obvious though this may seem, I would argue it is an exercise too few of us regularly perform. By taking a moment each day to identify and acknowledge the elements of our lives that bring us joy, enrich us, teach us, and fill our hearts, we will renew and even grow our appreciation of them. This will also set the tone for a more positive day, as you progress through your quotidian motions thankful for what you do have, rather than resentful of what you do not have.

“It matters very little whether a man is discontented in the name of pessimism or progress, if his discontent does in fact paralyses his power of appreciating what he has got.” — G. K. Chesterton

Once you have taken inventory of the objects of your affection, consider the ways you might best express gratitude for them. For places and material items immediate to you, a silent acknowledgement of their worth is sufficient to renew their value to you. Remember to cherish the memories of people, places, and things lost, lest they fade from you entirely. For people who are special to you, the power of voicing your gratitude to them cannot be overstated. A simple “Good job!” in the workplace can have a profound effect on its recipient, and a “Thank you” spoken from the heart—not merely as a formality—can make a person’s day. This, in turn, can lead to a cascade of positive effects, driving people to perform at their best and even contributing to their wellbeing. Workplace satisfaction and a feeling of being genuinely valued are proven to lead to decreased stress levels, more restful sleep, and even improved metabolism. What is more, genuine expressions of gratitude inspire recipients to be more appreciative of others, creating a positive cycle of recognition.

Finally, and crucially, you must not forget to count yourself among the people you appreciate. Self-auditing is an necessary step on the path to becoming the greatest iteration of yourself, but it is not only about identifying the areas in which you have room to grow; it is also about appreciating the work you have already done, celebrating your personal merits, and giving thanks for your God-given talents. Taking the time to express an authentic appreciation for the person you are is scientifically proven to have positive physical, mental, and emotional effects. Give thanks for what you have earned, as well, and remember that a little is enough if you spend it wisely, but too much is not enough if you spend it unwisely.

“Happiness is a way station between too much and too little.” — Channing Pollock

Gratitude is strongly and consistently associated with greater happiness. Remember how wonderful it feels to be appreciated, and you will naturally want to endow others with that same feeling. Through these small transactions of the heart, we will enjoy greater positivity, relish good experiences, improve our health, better deal with adversity, and build stronger relationships. It could be said, then, that the road to a better tomorrow is but a "thank you" away.

May the Lord help you to see His face in the young and the old, in the suffering and the lonely. May you share your gifts with those in need. May we be always thankful for the many blessings God has bestowed on us.