Practicing Gratitude

If you’re old enough to remember Robert Fulghum’s book, “Everything I Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten,” you’ll recall the lesson on saying “please” and “thank you.” Even if you’re not old enough to remember the book, I doubt you have forgotten the lesson instilled into nearly every child that manners matter.

As children, after receiving a sticker from the doctor, an ice cream from Grandma, or a cardigan from Aunt Flossie, we anticipated the question, “What do you say?” And we forced out our best version of “thank you,” even if we didn’t like the sweater.

November is typically a time when we find moments to express gratitude as we gather with family and friends for Thanksgiving. In my house, it’s a tradition to go around the table and, between bites of sweet potato soufflé, mention one thing for which we are thankful.

No doubt, the times we live in make it harder to be grateful. It is so easy to see what is missing, lacking or mandatory that we miss what we have. I can’t remember the last time I felt gratitude for a roof over my head, food in the refrigerator or shoes on my feet. Not everyone in the world, let alone in our city, has those luxuries.

And while it’s one thing to give thanks for material blessings, it’s more important than ever to express gratitude for the people in our lives. Those we work, live or share secrets with and those who bring us joy, love, comfort, peace and laughter.

This month let’s be intentional about expressing gratitude for the people in our lives who mean the most. Today, let someone know they matter to you.

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Greg Frohna

Greg Frohna is the Director of Spiritual Care & Guest Services at North Kansas City Hospital. He has a lot of people in his life to be grateful for, including his wife Wendi, and four (mostly) amazing children.