The art of thanking

As we take stock of our lives individually and together this holiday, may I direct you to the book Thanking Blessing -- The Sacred Art" by Jay Marshall, a Quaker thinker. In the introduction to his book, which goes on to give specific examples of leading a better life through the art of thanking and blessing, he writes:

"In everyday contexts, we have many opportunities to thank others. When someone shares her umbrella in the rain, I thank her for offering protection from the weather. If a friend invites me to dinner, I thank him because I value the hospitality and fellowship he offers. But the act of thanking is, or should be, more than a mechanical response born out of obligation. Whatever form it takes, it is an expression of the gratitude, you might even say praise, we feel in response to the way someone else has enriched our lives. The act of thanking allows us to experience the graciousness of the other's act more deeply."

It makes us remember that we are connected to others. We are not alone. And for that, I thank you. (That goes for you soreheads who don't agree with me, too.)