A father was walking downtown with three small boys. They caught my eye because the boys were dressed in matching baseball hats and jackets. They all looked so clean-cut and wholesome. One of the boys looked up at his dad and said, “Thank you Dad.” For what he was thanking him, I don’t know. What I do know is that gratitude is contagious, because one of the other boys quickly followed suit with a thank you to his father. I smiled at the realization that good manners are still very much in vogue and that as much as society tries to portray the youth of today as spoiled and ungrateful, there are many gentle children in this world who are quite capable of displaying a thankful heart.
Next, I saw a mother and her toddler. The mother was leaning down to hand a beautiful autumn leaf to her son. In her, I saw gratitude for the lovely, seasonal gifts of God, and I saw her eagerness to share this wonder with her child. It was a simple act with significant meaning.
This world is a beautiful place, with beautiful people. We are blessed again and again by the love of our glorious Father. And when we take a few minutes to show our appreciation for His many gifts, the world becomes even more beautiful.
Thank you God, for your many blessings, and thank you for your many beautiful people who know a good thing when they see it, and aren’t afraid to show their gratitude.
Amen.
