Thanksgiving or Givingthanks… which ever way you say it, I think it means the same thing. The word (phrase?) means so much more than just saying the word, “Thanks”. Have you ever received help or aid or support or guidance or other forms of unconditional love and friendship that are so huge, there are no words you can say to express your gratitude? A gratefulness so deep and strong, it can’t be sated or quelled by mere words? And even though you offer your sincere thanks to your benefactor(s), they mildly accept with words like, “You’re welcome.” or, “It’s nothing.” or, “No thanks necessary.” And you realize, it’s just not enough for you, that you have a driving need to do something in return. Kind of like the other -giving that we talk about, forgiving. Forgiving’s not about just saying, “I forgive you.”…that is a phrase that the other person may or may not receive… forgiveness is for you, and when you do forgive from within, a great burden is lifted off you. By the same token, saying, “thank you”, may or may not be received by the other person… taking action in thankfulness is for you, when you do something to give back, a great burden is lifted off of you… it is a burden or debt that you are repaying.

Over the years, I have met many senseis. Each teaches according to his/her own calling, or weaknesses, or strengths. For some, it’s a love of the art of karate-do, for others it’s a form of side-income or their livelihood, some are attracted to the authority/power that they might exert over their students, others enjoy teaching/mentoring their students, and so on. Among the senseis or coaches I most admire, however, a most common motivation is the “… need to give something back to the game/art/community.” In a similar way, the Bible says, “To whom much is given, much is expected.”

For many people, those words are just a statement of a principle, something we may agree with but embrace at a distance or cerebrally. For some of us, who have received or been transformed at a very deep level by the art, the basic principle of reciprocity affects and motivates us in our heart and spirit. And so we try to help, share with and teach others the art of karate-do. We do it for them, for ourselves, for the art, and in our ministry, for Him who gave us Salvation, freely and with “No thanks necessary.” Except, we know that saying thanks is sometimes, just not enough.

Have a great Thanksgiving season, yesterday, today… and always.