Thanksgiving for One Another

By Dr. Synesio Lyra, Jr.

Having prepared ourselves for the celebration of Thanksgiving Day, I trust the emphasis has
not been exclusively on the foods which normally characterize this, the most American of all
holidays. Typically, humans spend more time asking than thanking. Also, when receiving what
was requested, the amount of gratitude is, quite often, very insufficiently expressed, if at all!

As we take an introspective look, we can readily recognize those times and situations when we
are mute in our expressions of gratitude. Since that should not remain so, how can we improve
on that?

Apart from our consistent thanks to God, Who is the giver of every good and perfect gift for the
provision of our human needs, it’s imperative that we be mindful of fellow humans for all they
also contribute to our wellbeing. Family, friends, acquaintances, neighbors, and co-workers are
among those who normally offer so much that can truly enrich our lives.

Through the years I have shown a tremendous degree of interest in people. I have established
wonderful friendships in different parts of the world; I have learned to get along with all types
of persons, knowing how much I can gain from such people, while seeking always to impart
something positive to them as well.

By looking for the best in one another, and accentuating the sound and solid traits which we can
easily find, we shall also more readily develop an attitude of gratitude for one another. This is
an easy type of thanksgiving we can develop and express, and it need not happen only once per
year, at a day established by Presidential decree, but day by day, on a continuing basis.

If we are to be more thankful for one another, we need to spend more time together, to interact
more freely, to learn of what makes each of us tick, to understand one another’s priorities in life,
and freely seeking one another’s opinion or counsel in a variety of issues.

I once heard the story of a man who confessed that for too long he had lived on Grumble Street,
but was determined to move now into Thanksgiving Street. Such is a commendable goal which
we can also emulate, as we recognize that our blessings far surpass our lacks!