Embrace the spirit of gratitude every day
Although I’m writing this in November, I want to comment on two articles published in the Daily Herald in mid-October. Your Oct. 14 Health & Fitness section included a wonderful “Alternative Approach” by Dr. Patrick Massey. He began his column, “You might be surprised to learn that one of the most powerful forces of medicine is found within all of us. This healing force is known as gratitude.” This article, outlining the many benefits of a grateful attitude, is worth reading again and again.
The next day’s Herald included Burt Constable’s column titled, “Thanksgiving falling to Black Friday encroachment.” That article highlighted this year’s phenomenon of more stores opening for “Black Friday” shopping on Thanksgiving evening. How ironic! Medical science is realizing the importance of a grateful attitude for our health and well-being. Yet our society is continuing to devalue the holiday set aside to exercise gratitude.
May I suggest that we do embrace this spirit of gratitude every day of the year. Those of us who believe in a good and loving God have a definite focus for our gratitude. Yet anyone can feel grateful to — as well as for — family, friends and perhaps even “good fortune” itself. Yes, let’s especially commemorate our gratitude on Thanksgiving Day. (Then commemorate Black Friday on that day, if you’re so inclined.)
Bruce Bedingfield
Hoffman Estates