These two Latin words often punctuate the meals in Marion Hall. Once the bell gongs, announcements are issued, “Benedictus, benedicat” is offered, “Amen” is replied. Following this midday ritual, 600 people make a mad dash for the door, leaping back onto the conveyor belt that propels us through the busy day. But before we lurch into the afternoon, for three glorious seconds, we take pause, and in a silent, spiritual time-out, we go inward and give thanks. 

“Benedictus, benedicat” is Latin for “May the Blessed One give a blessing,” from bene (“well”) + dīcō (“speak”). The verb is benedico, which means to speak well of someone. It’s a noble practice. 

 

Research has shown that expressing gratitude impacts not only one’s emotional and spiritual well-being, but also one’s physical well-being. Feeling thankful is associated with a host of mental and physical benefits, such as mood, improved sleep, and immunity. It can decrease depression, anxiety, difficulties with chronic pain and risk of disease. Perhaps a thank-you-a-day could keep the doctor away?

 

I am grateful for the abundance of gratitude I observe being expressed at Shawnigan all the time. I can cite many examples here, such as our wonderful Shawnigan Parents Association’s annual Staff Appreciation Day; Rev’s Chapel talks about the power of gratitude; Larry’s annual hand-written thank-you cards for each staff member; teachers’ lessons on how to write and send a thank-you letter (complete with envelope and stamp); students holding doors for others to pass through ahead of them; students routinely thanking their teachers as they leave class.

 

How convenient for this blog that this year’s Word Shirt (created each September in support of the Cops for Cancer fundraising initiative) is “Appreciate,” proving that gratitude is literally part of the uniform. Lately a new saying is gaining momentum: “I appreciate you.” I partially credit Ted Lasso’s influence here, but mostly I give a nod to people’s generous hearts, looking for an authentic opportunity to connect in a positive way with others. After all, this connection not only benefits the receiver, but also the deliverer, so it’s win-win. We all know those people who acknowledge a thank-you by sending a thank-you, so great is our innate desire to express gratitude.

 

It’s no surprise that a Google search turns up dozens, if not hundreds, of Hallmarky saccharine sayings about gratitude. The cynic in me tends to reject most of them. But there is one quote that resonates as an antidote to all the potentially harmful consumerist messaging out there. Those messages that can erode our self-esteem and leave us feeling inadequate. It is simply that “Gratitude turns what we have into enough.” (Anonymous)

 

So in response to the age-old question “To be or not to be?”, I say “To be!”, if the two b’s are

those found in “Benedictus, benedicat.” 

 

Amen.