Image: Fall Foliage 2024 by Gail K. Kachnycz
HAPPY THANKSGIVING
By Gail K. Kachnycz on 23 November 2024
There is a
difference between being thankful, and giving thanks.
In recent years,
cultivating an “attitude of gratitude” has been recognized as a positive thing
to do. Research backs this up: Linda A. Baker, a Clinical Therapist, noted the
following in Princeton Health News: The practice of gratitude encourages new,
positive pathways in the brain. Dopamine and Serotonin are released, two
chemicals in the brain that promote feelings of pleasure, happiness, and
overall well-being. “Practicing gratitude encourages us to be aware of our
automatic thoughts and core beliefs and purposefully reflect on what is good
and valuable.”(1)
Long before
gratitude was “a thing,” the Apostle Paul advised the Philippian believers:
“Finally, brothers and
sisters, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever
is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if anything
worthy of praise, think about these things. As for the things you have learned
and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.”
Philippians 4:8-9 NASB 2020
Science
demonstrates the Biblical truth of these verses. Gratitude improves
psychological well-being, promotes a better mood, increases self-esteem, and
enhances resilience. With these benefits, it is no surprise that relationships
improve. There are even physical results such as better sleep and boosted
immune function (2).
It was around
Thanksgiving 2018 that the cardiologist Mike was seeing at the time told him
that all treatment options had been exhausted, and hospice was recommended. I
began the practice of journaling then to provide an outlet for my emotions and
to deal with this prognosis. At some point, I began to end each entry with
either a written prayer or a list of three things I was thankful for. I figured
there had to be at least three things that would come to mind. It was helpful
to have a format, so I started with the phrase, “Grateful For: (1)…(2)…(3)”
However, as I
reflected on the upcoming holiday this year, it impressed me that it is “Thanksgiving.”
There is a difference between having a general sense of gratitude, and giving
thanks. We give something to someone. In the case of
Thanksgiving, especially for people of faith, we give thanks to God. For me,
this means my journal entry will no longer use the phrase “Grateful For,” but
instead, “Thank You, God, For:” Psalm 107 captures the intent and essence of
our Thanksgiving holiday:
Oh give thanks to the
LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!
Let the redeemed of
the LORD say so,
whom he has redeemed from
trouble and gathered in from the lands,
from the east and from
the west, from the north and from the south. Psalm 107:1-3 ESV
God bless you as you gather and give thanks to
the LORD.
1. Reference accessed 11/23/2024:
https://www.princetonhcs.org/about-princeton-health/news-and-information/news/can-gratitude-increase-quality-of-life 2. Reference accessed 11/23/2024: https://positivepsychology.com/benefits-gratitude-research-questions/
