Friday, September 4, 2009

Whom will you thank?


When we are born, we come to this world as helpless babies completely dependent on the love and care of our parents. In our early years, we are vulnerable to a host of risks including diseases, accidents etc. The fact that we survived is no credit to us but to those who took care of us.

We came without any special knowledge and did not even know how to converse. It was our parents and teachers who taught us and made us what we are. All through our lives we are learning various skills from others which help us face this world. Our knowledge is entirely gained due to the largesse of others.

Our position in society, our wealth, our health and everything that we claim as ours is gained by us through the contribution of others. If any of us think of ourselves as “self made”, we are only deluding ourselves. We have so much to be grateful for.

It is not enough if we thank people for what they have done for us. A mere “Thanks” cannot compensate for all that we have gained. And yet, how many of us even express our gratitude? In our minds, we should have the humility to accept that our standing and status in society is the charity we have received from others. And in our hearts, we should forever retain the spirit of gratitude.

“Greater than being great is being grateful" - Anonymous

“A single grateful thought raised to heaven, is the most perfect prayer” - Gotthold Ephraim Lessing

"Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but also the parent of all the others." - Cicero

5 comments:

KParthasarathi said...

Very true and very well said

Anonymous said...

We must thank all those people who make us happy,as many a times we take things for granted and often forget to express our gratitude for whatever they have done..

Tyaagi

AutoDT said...

A great post, brother:)

We should always remain grateful to the great mysterious forces that are responsible for our presence and existence...and to share that hidden beauty with others...

Namaste, brother:)

Cyrus

ramesh sadasivam said...

Very wonderful post Vish!

"Gratitude is a thought of the heart!"

I read this on the wall of one of the schools in Chennai.

anupama said...

Dear Vish,
really nice post on gratitude!if we remember that our life is at the mercy of God,we will learn to love each other,become humble and will utilise the time left as a bonus!
right from Mother Nature,our parents,gurus,family n society we must be thankful!
have a great sunday ahead,
sasneham,
anu