The value of widening our circle of gratitude

"I am part of all I have met." This observation, attributed to the renowned British poet Alfred Lord Tennyson, is a timely reminder to broaden the scope of our appreciation in the Thanksgiving season.

The landscape of our lives contains both a foreground and background. As we give thanks, it is only normal to focus on those in the foreground. The family and friends that we see routinely and regularly are the greatest source of our support and are well-deserving of our gratitude.

However, there are others whose images may have been blurred by time and space that reside in the background of our minds. They could be a schoolmate, a teacher, a neighbor, a fellow churchgoer or a travel companion.

Workplace colleagues, a mentor or a caregiver may come to mind. Those with whom we have faced challenges or created special memories often remain in our thoughts. Even strangers that we encounter only briefly can leave a lasting impression.

Once people enter our lives, they become part of a sum total that keeps on enriching our lives; they remain the gift that keeps on giving.

As we are prompted to consider "all" we have met, we need to dig beyond the surface to reflect on those who have made a difference in our lives by asking, "Who has helped make me who I am today?"

By reaching out to them or, if not possible, at least lifting them up in our thoughts, we can let them know that their presence in our life has influenced and made our lives more abundant.

There is no better time than the holiday season to widen the circle of our gratitude.

Ronald Bearwald

Northbrook