THE ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE Question What is the most important attitude to have? Answer We have to foster the attitude of being grateful. It’s very important, for that is the foundation of being a servant of Hashem. If you don’t learn to say “Thank you,” then forget about being a Torah Jew. Because Judaism is based on these words: “I thank You, Hashem.” How do you thank Hashem? By all the requirements that are necessary for a Jew. But first you must train yourself to the attitude that you must be grateful for favors that are bestowed. When a yeshivah boy comes home to a supper served by his mother, which took her a long time to prepare, and sits down at the table she set, and then makes a nice berachah — Baruch Atah Hashem … thanking Hashem — such a berachah is as hollow and insincere as could be. His mother is right there, but he did not say “Thank you” to her! Does he think he is thanking Hashem? No. You see a mother. You can understand that your mother labored to prepare the supper. You can see her own emotions of kindliness and compassion when she puts the supper on the table. Yet, despite all that, you’re not moved to say “Thank you”? Don’t say, “I’m ashamed, because she might have a shock if I say thank you to her.” Shock her! let her get accustomed to hearing it. You have to train yourself to be a mensch. It’s important to learn to say thank you, and to feel gratitude. Otherwise it’s impossible to say Baruch Atah Hashem with any sincerity.

Miller, Rabbi Avigdor. Rav Avigdor Miller on Emunah and Bitachon . The Judaica Press, Inc.. Kindle Edition.