Gratitude

A fine little illustration on gratitude from the life of H. A. Ironside that I used in preaching last Sunday night. Do we give ourselves our own talents? Our position in life? Do we put ourselves in the culture we are in? In the family we are in? Nope. Someone else does all of this. This deserves gratitude.

Dr. H. A. Ironside used to tell of an experience he once had at a restaurant. He ordered his meal, and just as he was about to eat, a man walked up to his table and said, Do you mind if I sit down with you? Dr. Ironside said that it was quite all right, so the man sat down. As was his custom, Dr. Ironside bowed his head and said a silent word of thanksgiving to the Lord before he ate. When he lifted up his head, the man said to him, Do you have a headache?

Ironside said, No, I don't.

The man said, Well, is there anything wrong with your food?

Ironside said, No, why?

Well, the man said, I saw you sitting there with your head down, and I thought you must be sick, or there was something wrong with your food.

Ironside replied, No, I was simply returning thanks to God as I always do before I eat.

The man said, Oh, you're one of those, are you? Well, I never give thanks. I earn my money by the sweat of my brow, and I don't have to give thanks to anybody when I eat. I just start right in!

Dr. Ironside said, Yes, you're just like my dog. That's what he does, too!