Bart Simpson of the Fox Network show had a prayer that went like this: "Dear God, we pay for all this stuff ourselves, so thanks for nothing."

In his forthcoming book, psychiatrist Louis Cady makes this observation: "Thanks For Nothing. Whether or not one believes in a Supreme Being, the notion that there is nothing to be grateful for outside of the self is, in my professional opinion, the first step down a very slippery slope to nihilism, despair, self-pity, isolation of the self, depression and death. If we have 'nothing to be thankful for' we must by definition not feel grateful for the beauties of nature, marvelous sunsets, snow-capped peaks, peaceful sandy beaches, green and peaceful forests and the melody of the wind.

"If we have nothing to feel grateful for, let us abandon gratitude for the miracle of new life that emerges every season as the trees and flowers bloom, and the cries of every newborn baby. If we have nothing to be grateful for, let us forget about looking into our sweetheart's eyes, walks on the beach together and the experience of campfires. If we have nothing to feel grateful for, let us abandon all love, respect, admiration and devotion to our parents, who did the very best they could for us.

"If we have nothing to feel grateful for, let us state unequivocally that we care nothing for our marvelous bodies that, for most of us, carry us wherever we want to go and are capable of athletic mastery. Let us forget that with a moderate amount of exercise we can stay in finely tuned shape and live a minimum of our three-score and 10 years on this planet enjoying our 'holiday on earth.'"

Dr. Cady has reminded all of us of something to be thankful for, and the reality is if we express gratitude for what we have, we will have more to express gratitude for.
Copyright 2008 Creators Syndicate Inc.


Gratitude, it is a subject many in rehabilitation are asked to consider. And many of us who have suffered depression have to have a "Gratitude List" just to keep us from sinking into that depression deeper. God and Jesus want us to see gratitude in more than just the things around us, but within our souls as well. Let me show you how to see this. There are three verses in Ephesians that show us, Gratitude, or Thankfulness, would be important to us in more than just saying "Thank you". Read it here:
15 Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, 16 Cease not to give thanks for you making mention of you in my prayers; 17 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of Glory, may give unto you the wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him.
There is a song that Ray Stevens sings, it's titled Thank You. These two little words are so welcome to those of us who serve and to those we serve as well. I personally want to thank the people here at MyChurch, my family, my friends, my colleagues, and more, for all the support, the help, and the incredible diversity that is found here. God blessed us when we found this place. He blessed us with a way to reach out, to spread the belief that God is EVERYWHERE, and that the Church which is the Body of Christ, grows as we grow, as we reach out to the next person, and that person reaches out, and more. For this I am grateful, and for that, we are blessed. This is the word and the light as brought to us through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, Amen and so it shall be.
Rev. Laura A. Neff
The Rainbow Minister