By Dr. Doug Graham, Interim President
As we gather around tables filled with gratitude, let’s dive into the essence of this cherished holiday, drawing inspiration from both scripture and the wisdom of modern researchers.
Psalm 100:1-5 – The Prelude of Gratitude
To set the stage, let’s turn to the timeless wisdom found in Psalm 100. “Shout with joy to the Lord, O earth! Worship the Lord with gladness. Come before him, singing with joy.” These verses remind us of the inherent joy and praise embedded in the act of giving thanks. We are His people, the sheep of His pasture, and entering His gates with thanksgiving is an invitation to experience the goodness of His unfailing love.
Robert A. Emmons – The Scientific Symphony of Gratitude
Scientist Robert A. Emmons, in an article on “The Joy of Thanks,” considers the physical and psychological benefits of thankfulness to be almost equal to that of therapy:
My colleagues and I are finding that gratitude, which we define as a felt sense of wonder, thankfulness, and appreciation for life, is more than simply a pleasant emotion to experience or a polite sentiment to express. It’s, or at least can be, a basic disposition, one that seems to make lives happier, healthier, more fulfilling—and even longer.” (Spirituality & Health, 4 [Winter 2002], 38ff.)
Emmons shares compelling insights:
Protection from Destructive Impulses: Gratitude acts as a shield against envy and greed, safeguarding us from destructive impulses.
Curing Excessive Materialism: Practicing gratitude as a spiritual discipline helps alleviate the negative emotions associated with excessive materialism—envy, resentment, disappointment, and bitterness.
Supporting Well-Being: Gratitude displaces detrimental psychological states like resentment and regret, fostering well-being and long-term happiness.
Elevating Positive Emotions: Grateful individuals experience heightened levels of positive emotions—happiness, vitality, optimism, and hope—leading to greater overall life satisfaction.
The Grateful Triad: Gratefulness, Leisure, and Family
Now that we’ve established the foundation, let’s explore the three key ingredients that create the therapeutic setting for a truly blessed Thanksgiving.
1. Reminding Me To Be Grateful
Drawing inspiration from Romans 16:3, which recounts the sacrifices of Priscilla and Aquila in ministry, we understand that gratitude is not just an intellectual acknowledgment but a deeply felt emotion. Verse 3-4 states, “Greet Priscilla and Aquila. They have been co-workers in my ministry for Christ Jesus. In fact, they risked their lives for me. I am not the only one who is thankful to them; so are all the Gentile churches.” Gratefulness becomes therapeutic when it touches our emotions, allowing us to genuinely feel and express gratitude.
2. Rewarding Me With Leisure
Thanksgiving emerges as the ultimate “Holiday De-Stressor.” Free from the pressures of commercialism and financial burdens associated with gift-giving, it provides a moment to revel in the simple pleasure of delicious food. As Psalm 100:3 encourages us to acknowledge the Lord’s role in our existence, we find solace in the leisurely celebration of His goodness. “Acknowledge that the Lord is God! He made us, and we are His. We are His people, the sheep of His pasture.”
3. Returning Me To My Family
Psalm 100:5 beautifully encapsulates the enduring goodness and faithfulness of the Lord, connecting generations in an unbroken chain of love. “For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and His faithfulness continues to each generation.” Thanksgiving, unlike any other holiday, calls us back to our roots, emphasizing the importance of family ties. It is a time when generations come together, bridging gaps and reinforcing the bonds that make this celebration truly special.
Yet, in the spirit of inclusivity, Thanksgiving extends beyond the confines of blood relations. It’s also a time to celebrate with friends and cherished individuals in our lives, especially when being with family is not an option. The warmth of shared moments, laughter, and gratitude knows no bounds, fostering a sense of community that enriches the Thanksgiving experience for all. As we gather around tables, whether with family or friends, the essence of thankfulness unites us in a celebration of love and connection.
Therapeutic power woven into the fabric of gratitude
As we embark on this Thanksgiving journey, let’s embrace the therapeutic power woven into the fabric of gratitude. The three ingredients of gratefulness, leisure, and family harmonize to create a setting that transcends the ordinary, offering a respite from the season’s frantic pace.
May your Thanksgiving be a tapestry of joy, woven with threads of gratitude, leisure, and the warmth of family and friends.
*Spirituality & Health, 4 [Winter 2002], 38ff.
