There he sat inside of a cool, damp and hollow cave wondering if he would be rescued. Once in a while he thought he heard someone in the distance calling out to him but they seemed to never find him or get closer. Days passed until he realized the craft he tried to master as a child had in a way manifested itself right there in the cave. He had always wanted to stand before captivated audiences to display his ventriloquist gift, yet at this moment, he discovered he himself had become an audience of one. The sound of his voice echoed throughout the cave but there was no one there to respond to his desperate plea for help.

All through his life there were so many people who always went out of their way. He felt loved but over the years those individuals gradually disappeared. Of course, there were still thoughtful, generous, and warm-hearted people out there, it was just his reluctance to enter into meaningful relationships with those who gave to him landed him in a cave where no one even cared or noticed he was missing.

It took a life-changing moment like this for him to realize the vast wealth of his vocabulary was bankrupt. He lacked the most powerful words that anyone could ever possess. In his portfolio were all kinds of prolific words but two small words had evaded him his entire life. They were the most powerful words a human can articulate.

Anytime someone displayed acts of kindness he became very tight-lipped. He felt he was entitled to everything others did for him and it was a repayment of debt owed him. He never told anyone “thank you.”

This past week I was able to participate in an event with Selma-Dallas County Youth Ambassadors. Every high school in the county had representation there. As each student took the stage, they shared a moment of what they were thankful for. As I observed, it was obvious that gratitude creates at least two lasting impacts.

First, a grateful person changes his or her outlook on life. When one is grateful he or she does not look at what is lacking but instead chooses to count his or her blessings. Second, when you tell someone thank you it changes them. They begin to feel valuable. You see, we all benefit when we practice the etiquette of thanksgiving.

So let us remember that we are always to give thanks in everything.