Gratitude and Health

Thanksgiving can be expressed in various languages. “Maraming salamat po” in Tagalog, “Terima kasih banyak” in Bahasa Indonesian, “arigato gozaymas” in Japanese, “Kamsa hamnida” in Korean, “Danka” in German, “Muchas gracias” in Spanish.

In whatever language we may say it, thanksgiving is an expression of a grateful feeling or acknowledgement in appreciation of a benefit, favor, service, courtesy, or the like.
But the thanksgiving is not only a courteous recognition of a favor received, it also has a therapeutic value. According to the book Ministry of Healing, it says: “Nothing tends to promote more health of a body and of a soul than does a spirit of gratitude and praise. It is a positive duty to resist melancholy, discontented thoughts and feelings--- as much as a duty as it is to pray”

Instead of complaining and growling and murmuring as we go through life, why don’t we look more at the sunny side and thank God and our fellowmen for so many undeserved blessings which come our way? The food we eat; the water we drink; the air we breathe; the melody of the birds; the beauty of the sunset; the fellowship of friends; our brothers and sisters in the community of faith, and many, many more.

There is so much we should be thankful for. But some count their blessings on their fingers and their miseries on an adding machine.