“If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is thank you, it will be enough.” – Meister Eckhart
I felt full as I stood up from the table. Yes, from a fine feast of fabulous sushi, but also from the warm and wonderful conversation with one of our sons. He shared with infectious enthusiasm the work he is passionate about, how and with whom he spends his non-work time, and his deep love for his significant other.
As we began to navigate through the Japanese restaurant where he had once worked during college, I quickly noticed that instead of heading for the door, he walked over to the sushi chef, bowed his head, and said, “Gochisōsama deshita.” He then proceeded to do the same with other staff members, and finally with the owner, who held the door as we exited.
Completely intrigued by what I had just witnessed, I asked him, “What was it you were saying to all those folks?” He responded, “What I said basically means ‘thank you for the meal’ or ‘that was a feast.’ I learned while working here that it’s a traditional way of expressing gratitude to all the people who provided your meal.”
I was already full to the brim, but after this whole experience with my son, I was now completely overflowing. Witnessing him so intentionally and respectfully offer sincere gratitude to all those who had provided our feast filled my heart with thankfulness.
“In everything give thanks,” Paul told the faith community in Thessaloniki. And what has become abundantly clear to me is that doing so will change you. Adopting a posture of gratitude brings a transformative perspective to how we navigate the world. As Brené Brown offers, “What separates privilege from entitlement is gratitude.”
When we choose to engage the world with gratitude, it connects us. It is the manifestation of appreciation and respect for others – I not only acknowledge you but am grateful for what you are offering. It is as theologian Thomas Merton wrote, “To be grateful is to recognize the love of God in everything.”
My hope and prayer for all of us is that however and with whomever we gather with this Thanksgiving that living life with gratitude will not only transform us but also those around us.
“Let gratitude be the pillow upon which you kneel to say your nightly prayer.” – Maya Angelou
BP