In his epistle to the Colossians Paul says, "Let the peace of God rule in your hearts, ... and be ye thankful." "Thankful for what?" exclaims the man who looks only at human circumstances, and whose eyes have become blinded by the fog of self-pity. "No one was ever in a harder place than I. There is absolutely nothing for which to be grateful." Let the thankless one pause and consider; for at the moment he is uttering these words of bitterness he is standing in the very presence of a Father who in ceaseless tenderness is ever imparting health and joy and boundless good to every child of His love. Well may each repent as he thinks of the promise, "Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine," and with a heart softened by humility go forth to live a life of gratitude.
Christian Science is awakening thousands from dormant, deadened, thankless dreaming into helpful, joyful, praiseful living. It teaches men to be grateful for the minutest blessing, and not alone for the good which is seen, but for the good which divine Love is continually bestowing and which only awaits man's acceptance. Gratitude and health walk hand in hand. Disease and ingratitude are companions; in fact, that which appears as disease is only an accumulation of thought-shadows—such as fear, worry, hate, discontent, discord, and ingratitude—objectified upon the body; but the consciousness which is illumined by the light of spiritual thanksgiving offers no place for such shadows. How important, then, for each one earnestly to strive to know the health-giving, joy-inspiring quality of thankfulness, and seek Truth, as Mrs. Eddy teaches, from the "summit of devout consecration, with the oil of gladness and the perfume of gratitude" (Science and Health, p. 367). In the words of a poet:—
Thou who hast given so much to me,
Give one thing more,—a grateful heart,
Not thankful when it pleaseth me
As if thy blessings had spare days,
But such a heart whose very pulse shall be
Thy praise.
