In the April issue of the American Spectator, Roger Scruton observes many connections between our charitable giving and our need to show gratitude. Some of these are:
- The proper response to a gift is gratitude.
- People have both the desire and need to give.
- Gratitude is expressed through giving.
- Giving amplifies the goodwill that one has received.
- Givers typically give without seeking or expecting recognition.
So the question becomes, “if we take away the gratitude, will we still be compelled to give?” Or, “if something takes the place of gratitude, will we still be compelled to give?”
I wonder about the next generation and where they will be on this issue. Have we inculcated the next generation with an attitude of gratitude? From a casual observation of students in my university town, it seems they care about social issues and about the issues that affect others. That’s a good thing. They seem intent on helping their fellow man and on practicing a lifestyle of concern for their fellow man.
But is gratitude motivating this giving and concern? Have they been the recipients of goodwill? Are they responding to the generosity that has been shown to them? I wonder sometimes. It appears that many in the next generation expected the things they got. They laid claim to an education without seeing the connection that the general population sacrificed tax dollars so that they could have their education. Or if they received a private education die they realize how those who loved them paid for this? Some of these students lived in homes worthy of a king, yet did they ever show gratitude to their parents for this? How about the things they have and the things they have done. Did they ever take time to express thanks to those who provided all of those things? Did anyone ever thank God for His provision for their lives?
As Roger Scruton so well notes, if gifts are replaced by rights then gratitude is replaced with claims. If there is one point we can drive home in the lives of the next generation, it is that all that they have are gifts ultimately from the hand of God who we need to show gratitude. Yes, there may be a human agent that we show this gratitude to also and this is important to do. But we have this life that ultimately is in the hands of Someone that enjoys our expressions of gratitude.
I would encourage the next generation to consider how to live a life of grace and a life of gratitude. I want to practice this each day. It might even be good for my health. Thank you for reading this and I hope you explore further the attitude of gratitude!
