How great is the lack...
Illustration
How great is the lack of gratitude on the part of so many
people! Many seldom take the time to write a thank-you note after
receiving a gift. Rather frequently columnists who write advice
for readers are asked what one is to do about a relative who
never acknowledges a gift with a letter of thanks. They ask
whether they should continue giving to such a person or stop the
practice. They wonder whether the stopping of such giving might
teach the thankless person a lesson. But it is difficult to cut
off a flesh and blood relative who is in need, even though he
does not take the time to express appreciation.
Only one leper in ten returned to give thanks to Christ for
being healed of that awful disease. Some have wondered whether
the story means to imply that only ten percent of people take the
time, and make the effort, to express their gratitude.
A mythical story tells about the angel Gabriel sending two
angels to earth on a special mission. Each angel was given a
basket. One was told to gather up all the requests of people on
earth as they asked for something they wanted. The other was to
place in her basket all the expressions of thanks from those who
said thanks. When the two angels returned, the basket of the one
collecting requests was filled to overflowing. But the basket of
the one gathering expressions of thanks contained only a few. We
all need to be faithful in saying thanks. Then we will not be
numbered among those of whom the Lord asks: "Where are the nine?"
-- Lentz
people! Many seldom take the time to write a thank-you note after
receiving a gift. Rather frequently columnists who write advice
for readers are asked what one is to do about a relative who
never acknowledges a gift with a letter of thanks. They ask
whether they should continue giving to such a person or stop the
practice. They wonder whether the stopping of such giving might
teach the thankless person a lesson. But it is difficult to cut
off a flesh and blood relative who is in need, even though he
does not take the time to express appreciation.
Only one leper in ten returned to give thanks to Christ for
being healed of that awful disease. Some have wondered whether
the story means to imply that only ten percent of people take the
time, and make the effort, to express their gratitude.
A mythical story tells about the angel Gabriel sending two
angels to earth on a special mission. Each angel was given a
basket. One was told to gather up all the requests of people on
earth as they asked for something they wanted. The other was to
place in her basket all the expressions of thanks from those who
said thanks. When the two angels returned, the basket of the one
collecting requests was filled to overflowing. But the basket of
the one gathering expressions of thanks contained only a few. We
all need to be faithful in saying thanks. Then we will not be
numbered among those of whom the Lord asks: "Where are the nine?"
-- Lentz
