Saying “Thank you!” 100 times a day? Yikes- how could you get that done. What would you offer gratitude for? Your best friend? Food you love? The air you breathe? Being alive? The clothes you wear? The earth? Your job?
The practice of expressing gratitude in Judaism began at the time of King David when plague came about that killed 100 people a day.
Once the Jewish people began expressing gratitude through saying blessings 100 times per day the plague ceased. Today? I wonder if we stopped and gave thanks without restrictions 100 times we might cease today’s plagues….
When King David instituted the 100 blessing practice, he intended for the Jews to bring awareness to and gratitude towards the small moments of daily life. Today we may not engage in this practice directly, but I like to believe we can express gratitude in many ways. For some, this may come from formal prayer. But, many of us do not engage in it regularly. So what do we do?
We can create moments to stop and look within and without and acknowledge all we have.
What do you have thanks for? When do you offer gratitude? Anytime, anywhere, you might make a space within you of giving thanks for the food you eat, daily activities, moments of awe, and general appreciation.
What will you give thanks for? There doesn’t have to be a plague to begin saying, “thank you,” at this moment.
With a smile, I will also share that the Hebrew word for thanks is “Hodu,” which, coincidentally, also means turkey. Hmmmm. Give thanks.
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