If I were able to have a short conversation with God, I would consider a suggestion that He might add an 11th Commandment; Thou shalt be thankful.

The fact is that the world is full of thankless people, even those of us who call ourselves Christians. We ask and we ask and seldom say thank you. Even when we do mouth the words, they are without true meaning.

For years, I have said that, if I were given manna daily, I’d never complain as the children of Israel did. As I aged, I became wiser. I suspect I would have been one of the worst complainers. We all like to think we wouldn’t make the mistakes recorded in the Bible.

I would suggest that of all the mistakes of those ahead of us made, being ungrateful is very likely one of the worst. Indeed, a person who is properly grateful would not do the things other things done.

I don’t know, but if my life depended on my guess, I’d say the reason God didn’t include such a Commandment is that He wants the gratitude to be genuine, not forced or coerced.

So, for a change, let’s thank God, not because we’re told to, but because we are grateful. I have not been told as much in so many words, but I really think He would like that. Also, I suspect it will benefit us as well. I always feel better after telling someone how thankful I am.