Thanksgiving is more than a national holiday. As the names implies, thanksgiving is the expression of gratitude.
Unfortunately, according to history.org, in many American households, “the Thanksgiving celebration has lost much of its original religious significance (and instead) now centers on cooking.”
Overindulgence of turkey has displaced the original intent of President Abraham Lincoln’s 1863 proclamation of creating a national Thanksgiving Day — a proclamation that was made amid the Civil War.
Known as American’s bloodiest war, more than 620,000 Americans died at the hands of fellow Americans and millions were injured. Despite a divided country, however, the act of giving thanks was a unifying thread among the two opposing sides.
According to research, gratitude has a rippling effect. Studies reveal a correlation between practicing gratitude and being happier. Other benefits of gratitude include improved health, better relationships, reduced anxiety and increased resilience against adversity.
In surveys where participants were asked what they wanted from life, the top response was “happiness.”
The point to be made is, if society wants more happiness, then society needs to become more grateful. Entitlement needs to be eliminated and we need to foster, as described in Luke 17:11-19, a life of gratitude.
A life of gratitude starts within the family. Dr. David Bredehoft, a psychologist and author specializing in raising grateful children, believes it is the responsibility of parents to cultivate gratitude in their children versus a sense of entitlement.
According to Bredehoft, “Gratitude, just like a garden, starts with tilling the soil, planting the seed, watering, fertilizing, and nurturing.”
In other words, a parent’s primary responsibility is to raise “good adults,” not just “good kids.”
To become resistant to the weeds of this world, children need help in developing their character, critical thinking skills, ability to make responsible decisions (right versus wrong), ownership of their actions, acceptance of consequences and an awareness of God’s unwavering love.
When it comes to fostering these traits, many families can attest to the power of prayer. Prayer offers the fertile foundation where the seed of thanksgiving can take root within a family. Made popular by Father Patrick Peyton (1909-1992), “A family that prays together stays together.”
As Thanksgiving comes and goes, give yourself the gift of happiness. Touch base with someone who has made a positive difference in your life, extend a lending hand to a stranger, and create a daily habit of cultivating gratitude through prayer and reflection.
You have nothing to lose and much happiness to gain.
This column may include both fiction and nonfiction, and views expressed do not necessarily represent those of The SUN. Submissions can be sent to editor@pagosasun.com.
