I ran across this story on gratitude in several sources. Rabbi Yisrael Salanter was a 19th century Jewish scholar involved in translating the talmud.
Once, when Rav Yisroel was in Paris he was in a very fancy hotel. He ordered only a cup of water. When it was time to go, the waiter brought the bill showing a large number of francs. Rav Yisraol wondered to himself why he paid so much for a cup of water which should have cost merely small change. Why do they have the right to charge so much money?
After giving it some thought he decided they were right in charging the high price. True, the water itself was worth far less, but they were charging him for ambience, the nice building, the expensive furnishings, the beautiful gardens surrounding him, and the attentive care of the waiters. All this was included in the price. More than that he thought, not only did he enjoy all the beautiful surroundings but it even enhanced the taste and refreshment of the water itself!
The lesson from this experience, said Rav Yisraol, is that we are in God's luxury hotel. When we drink even a sip of water we must realize that we are getting far more. We have solid ground beneath our feet, plentiful fresh air, a beautiful sky, the smell of flowers, the chirping of birds, and all the beauty and conveniences of the creation. When we take a sip of water we should remember, not only do we owe God a thank you for the water, but also for the ambience of His luxurious world!
What are your thoughts on gratitude?
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