Over the last few days, we’ve considered the ways and circumstances in which we should give thanks.  But there’s another way that we should be thinking about Thanksgiving, and that is by asking the question: Does anybody ever thank me?

Teddy Roosevelt, paraphrasing the gospel of Luke, once said:

“Let us remember that, as much has been given us; much will be expected from us, and that true homage comes from the heart as well as from the lips, and shows itself in deeds.”

Whether we recognize it or not, everyone here has been given much.  Parents who love us, a nation that guards our freedoms, relative material prosperity, teachers and colleagues who desire what is good for us, friends who encourage and strengthen us, and many more blessings besides.  And that means that much is expected from us.

So, if nobody ever seems to be thanking us, it could be that we only know ungrateful people—but more likely than not, the issue is that we haven’t really done much for them to be grateful for.

A truly thankful heart reveals itself most of all in what we do for others with the abundant gifts we ourselves have received.  Thanksgiving is indeed about thanks…but it will always be, above all, about giving. 

So, make sure to give someone a reason to thank you today…

And have a wonderful day.