As far as I’m concerned, every expression of gratitude is a prayer of thanksgiving.

From our parents to Captain Kangeroo and Mr. Rogers, we learned at an early age that saying “Thank you,” was good manners. The right thing to do. And when the words were spoken not as a mere courtesy or unthinking habit, but as a sincere expression of a grateful heart, the words were as much a blessing as the gift or gesture that prompted the two-word sentence. Especially if eyes spoke to eyes.

I enjoy looking at the etymology of common words. The word “thank” is related to a kind thought. The word gratitude is linked to an expression of praise. In an era when criticism and meanness abound, gratitude may seem somewhat foreign, or homeless. Thank God (literally) that there are still enough kind hearts that recognize, even laud, the grace of giftedness that surrounds us day by day, and prompt a simple “Thank you” in return.

Here is a half-hour radio program of gentle jazz that centers on thanksgiving…in any season. It is one of the last in my series “The Spirit of Jazz.” [The date may be 2012.]

The Spirit of Jazz: Gratitude