Rudyard Kipling lived from 1865 to 1936. The British author is best remembered for  The Jungle Book. Countless boys have also memorized his poem entitled If for English class.

During the height of his popularity, Kipling became so popular that his writings earned 10 shillings per word—an exorbitant sum for the time.

A group of college students who did not appreciate his work sent him a letter with 10 shillings enclosed. They sarcastically wrote: “Please send us your best word.”

They received a response from Kipling with a one word reply: “Thanks!”

During this week of Thanksgiving, our best word is “Thanks!” We are called to cultivate an attitude of gratitude. Thanksgiving includes three movements:

• Recognize the Gifts
• Recognize the Giver
• Give Thanks

May God grant us the grace to make our best word “Thanks!”