“A Little Thanks Goes A Long Way”
Years ago, Scottish physician and novelist A. J. Cronin had an unusual experience in New York City. He took a taxi and once inside he could tell from the driver’s expression and the way he slammed the gears that something was wrong. He asked the driver what the trouble was.
“I’ve got good reason to be sore,” he growled. “One of my fares left a wallet in my cab this morning. Nearly three hundred bucks in it! I spent more than an hour trying to trace the guy. Finally I found him at his hotel. He took the wallet without a word and glared at me as though I meant to snitch it.”
“He didn’t reward you?” Cronin asked.
“Not a cent, and me on my time and gas. But it wasn’t the dough I wanted….” He fumbled for words, then exploded, “If the guy had only said thanks!”
It seems to me that ingratitude is growing in America. While it is true that we may struggle sometimes: the stock market may hit a slump, gas prices may go extremely high, or the unemployment rate may rise but we are still the most blessed country in the world. The last time I checked, there are no waiting lines of people trying to get out of America!
So why does there seem to be a rise in the number of ungrateful people? Could it be that we have gotten spoiled to having what we want when we want it that we expect it that way all the time? The Bible warns us in 2 Timothy 3:1-2= “Know this: In the last days perilous times will come. Men will be lovers of themselves… and unthankful.” (MEV) The truth is: selfish people are unthankful people.
I was seventeen years old when I started working at a local radio station in Richlands, VA-- WGTH. My grandfather pulled me aside and said, “Doug, if you’re going to be successful in life you’re going to have to earn it. But be careful how you treat the people you meet as you climb the ladder of success. Show them the same gratitude that you want to be shown.” And I have tried my best to heed those words of wisdom.
Many years ago during World War II, a young army captain was hit by enemy fire while dragging a seriously wounded sergeant to safety. Both were taken to an army hospital. The
captain died, but the rescued sergeant recovered. The captain’s parents were informed about the heroism of their son, so they invited the sergeant to their home for dinner. He accepted the invitation, but when he arrived he was not only late but in a half-intoxicated condition. All the while he was there he acted boorishly, said nothing about the one who had saved his life, wolfed down his food, and left without even saying thanks for their gracious hospitality. As soon as he was gone, the mother burst into tears, exclaiming, “To think that our son had to die for an ungrateful person like that!”
Let me ask you a question: Have you taken the time to show your gratitude to God lately? Or do you rush through your day, wolfing down the food He has given you, saying nothing about the One who saved your soul, and go to bed at night without even saying thanks for His many blessings?
Cicero, the Roman statesman, once said, “Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues but the parent of the others.” We cannot continue to enjoy each day’s gifts without thanking the Giver of those gifts. And we cannot allow ourselves to become selfish and unthankful. Let’s begin by giving thanks to God for His many blessings and by showing common courtesy to our fellow man.
After all, a little “thanks” goes a long way!
