Learning To Be Grateful

The “Duties of the Heart” makes an interesting observation about human nature, and the manner in which Hashem created the world.

There is no commandment in the Torah that instructs parents that they must care for their newborn baby. This is built into their essence. It is an obligation that G-d places in them, so that there is no doubt that they will learn to place their child’s needs before their own.

However, it is not a built in emotion to give thanks to parents for their devotion. It was necessary to have a commandment given on Mount Sinai, that we must honor our fathers and mothers. Without this instruction, we might come to the conclusion that it is our right to be cared for, by our parents.

We must also be taught that we must show appreciation for any kindness that anyone gives to us. Nobody owes us anything. This sense of entitlement is a form of arrogance. The ability to notice and appreciate every kindness showered upon us, shows real humility.

The entitled, arrogant, individual thinks he’s special and deserving of acts of kindness. While the humble feel overwhelmed with gratitude when something nice is done for them.

We constantly need to work on ourselves to acquire that which is not given to us by nature. Recognizing the good and saying “thank you,” goes a long way. It is also an indication that we have achieved a certain level of goodness in our own personalities. This is not something to take lightly. We are “entitled” to give ourselves a small “pat on the back!”