Thankful Heart

We as parents often shower our kids with gifts on every occasion possible – birthdays, Christmas, graduation, etc.  At times, even without any reason to celebrate, we buy things for them.  We do it simply because we love them and we want them to be happy.

And since they often obtain things from us, they tend to become less appreciative already.  They might say “thank you” but we can feel that it is devoid of feelings.  There’s not much gusto anymore with their reaction.  At times, they would even whine like, “Why did you not buy this or that kind?” or “It isn’t quite pretty.”

But I realized that most of us are not as grateful also with the things that we get.  We even complain instead of being thankful.  “Ay, bakit hindi na ganoon kaganda ‘yung bigas na ipinamigay?” “Bakit P200 lang yung anniversary gift?”  “Kailan ba tataas yung cash gift sa service awardee?”  Why such reactions? Because some think of it as their right.  That they are entitled to it. That they deserve to be given much.  That it is the company’s obligation to do such. 

But why can’t we be thankful instead?  That at least, we received something, no matter how simple that is?  Why don’t we realize that what was given was really a “gift”, and not a “right” or something that is due to us?  It is that plain and simple.  That way, we can learn to really be grateful for anything that is given to us.

The Bible says that we do not deserve anything.  Everything is a gift from God.  1 Thessalonians 5:18 exhorts us to:

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

As much as I can, I express gratitude to the Lord in everything like when I wake up in the morning, I say “Thank you, Lord.”  When I am able to do my morning ritual in the rest room, I say “Thank you, Lord.” When I was able to drive safely and arrive at my destination, I say “Thank you, Lord.”  Whenever I am about to eat, and even after I got full with my meal, I say “Thank you, Lord.”  Even as I lay down on my bed to rest and sleep at night, I still say “Thank you, Lord.”

And so finally, I was able to finish this article.  What do you think shall I say?  “Thank you, Lord.”

(Binhing Rizal - June 2011 issue)