One of the more gratifying and enriching discussions in my college days were the sessions in my Philosophy classes focused on human values and virtues that impacted daily life.
My work as a newspaper editor and writer is a giveaway for my Journalism studies but many of those who know me are, at times, surprised to realize that I majored in Philosophy as an undergraduate student.
“A matter of knowing how to think well before knowing how to write well,” becomes a plausible explanation whenever I tell people about the foundation of my academic discipline and how I have put it to pragmatic and good use in my Journalism career.
With a small-sized class six to eight students, there was little room for a-penny-for-your-thought moment as we were called to share our thought one after the other many times during our 90-minute class. Discussions were always engaging and anchored in real-life situations under our mentors, Dr. Alfredo Q. Gonzalez and, later, Prof. Ciriaco Gamchorre. Thus, Tuesdays and Thursdays were look-forward days.
One particular module focused on the views of great thinkers on the human act of being thankful and grateful which has often been taken for granted as we race through the perplexities of daily living.
One thought that has stuck in mind through the decades was penned by Roman philosopher Marcus Tullius Cicero: “Gratitude is not only that greatest of virtues but the parent of all others.”
Other learned views were just as thought-provoking. Plato, the great Greek thinker, who happened to be Cicero’s model thinker, espoused that “gratitude is a duty to recognize and show appreciation for the benefits someone has bestowed on you even if that requires putting your own desires aside.”
Across the seas from Europe, Chinese thinkers shared their thought, reflecting the universality of this human act.
Lao Tzu is well-remembered for his idea: “Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love.” Confucius’ offered a graphic thought: “It is better to light one small candle of gratitude than to curse the darkness.”
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The spirited discussions in my Philosophy Class serves as a timely recollection at this time of the year, when Americans and people, especially Christians, in many parts of the world, are marking Thanksgiving Day – on the last Thursday of November.
It is an American tradition, generally a homecoming as family and friends gather together for a grand meal, that also serves as an occasion to thank God His blessings.
I personally witnessed how significant the occasion is to American families when I did my graduate studies in the U. S. Midwest. The campus of more than 30,000 students, staff and faculty became a virtual ghost town as almost everybody were home-bound by car, bus, train, boat and plane – a decongestion of crowded spaces, like what we experience during the ‘Undas’ season.
Accounts show that the first Thanksgiving was celebrated in 1621 during the Pilgrims’ harvest festival.
Apparently, it is the influence of the American culture that has made Thanksgiving, am anticipated event in the country, especially in Christian churches in many parts of the world.
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Beyond the philosophers’ secular thoughts on giving thanks, Christians celebrate it with a heavy dose of faith and anchored on what the Bible says.
Motivational speaker Francis Kong offers a fine example in his “Life’s Work”. The secret to life is not looking at the things we do not have, but being grateful for what God has given us.
“Life is not champagne wishes and caviar dreams – that’s all a big lie. Life is living fully in the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ who will set us free from our illusions and bring fullness into our lives,” he added.
Scholars say, “thanksgiving” is mentioned in the Bible 173 times – 102 times in the Old Testament and 72 times in the New Testament.
Here are two examples:
“It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord.” (Psalm 92:1) and “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (Philippians 4:6-7).
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By chance, the day has a special and personal meaning to me. I was born – as recounted by my parents – on the last Thursday of November, thus I have been observing it with deeper spiritual significance – with gratefulness, along with so many blessings, for the Gift of Life.
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Join me in echoing the reformist Martin Luther’s well-known prayer as we celebrate Thanksgiving Day:
“Thank you, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have graciously kept me this day; and I pray that You would forgive me all my sins where I have done wrong, and graciously keep me this night. For into Your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things.”
Thank you, Lord!
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Praise the LORD, my soul; all my inmost being, praise His holy name. Praise the LORD, my soul, and forget not all His benefits — who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion. (Psalm 103:1-4) | NWI
