What has happened to Hakaras Hatov (gratitude)?

Hamodia published a letter to the editor the other week entitled, "What has happened to Hakaras Hatov (gratitude)?" The writer describes how she celebrated her daughter's wedding a little while ago and how members of the community had ensured a smooth running of the day. After the wedding, she sent thank you notes to those people who had helped out. She bumped into one of the people to whom she had sent a note and he told her that, although he had helped out at many weddings, this was only the second time he had been thanked after the event.

A number of years ago, four former students gave me the best present ever. One of the girls has a father who owns a store. One of the items that he sells is picture frames in which you can print your own message. The girls composed a poem entitled "Thank You!"

Two years together have come to an end
Two years of teaching with a helping hand
Two years to remember to look back and to say
Mrs. ___ has taught me English
She has helped me till today!
With warmest wishes and fond regards

As my eyes have wandered to the picture frame, over and over, I am struck with a warm feeling and I smile, in gratitude of my students' expressions of hakaras hatov.

A number of years ago, Time magazine published an article entitled, "The New Science of Happiness". The article featured "Eight steps toward a more satisfying life". Step number one was:
1. Count your blessings. One way to do this is with a “gratitude journal” in which you write down three to five things for which you are currently thankful—from the mundane (your peonies are in bloom) to the magnificent (a child’s first steps). Do this once a week, say, on Sunday night. Keep it fresh by varying your entries as much as possible.
Step number four was:
4. Thank a mentor. If there’s someone whom you owe a debt of gratitude for guiding you at one of life’s crossroads, don’t wait to express your appreciation—in detail and, if possible, in person.

Without reading the article, my students had completed step number four. To read full article, click here.