Editorial

What the world needs now:
A new sense of gratitude

After work my husband usually asks, "How was your day?" I find myself talking about all the things that did not go right - or at least as I had planned.

We discuss bad weather, problems at work, minor health ailments . . . the list goes on and on. Rarely do we mention any good things that happened that day. Dwelling on the negative rather than the positive seems to be pretty common these days. We seem to live in a cynical world, where complaining is the number one pastime.

Recovering sense of gratitude. Of course, there are many bad things going on in the world today. But there are many good things, too. Perhaps we need to open our eyes and pay attention to the positive side of life.

A speaker interviewed recently on National Public Radio mentioned the importance of recovering a sense of gratitude in our lives. Living outside the United States in a much poorer country - with no indoor plumbing, for example - made him realize how much we take for granted in America.

As we celebrate Thanksgiving this year, we might take this opportunity to reflect on our blessings. But beyond just thinking about them, here is a suggested family activity. Have each member of the family write down 10 things for which he/she is grateful. Then share at least one item with the rest of the family.

I imagine most of us could think of 10 things. Some of them might include:

 The beauty of nature. Two recent events made me realize the astounding beauty in our world. My husband and I were fortunate to tour the Smoky Mountains during October, when the fall colors were phenomenal. Who couldn't believe in the power of God's creation when viewing such splendor!

Last week, a light snow blanketed the Madison area. When I arrived at the Bishop O'Connor Center, a priest from Nigeria met me at the door with his camera. He had never seen snow before and was amazed at the beauty of the snow on the trees and grass. His delight reminded me to take a second look at what we Wisconsin natives take for granted.

 The importance of family. Illnesses, death, and other problems within our families make us appreciate those closest to us. A friend of mine lost his father very unexpectedly this year; another friend's wife died suddenly. We should show our appreciation to our family members and not wait until it's too late.

 The wonder of God. God has given us life in all of its wonder. Although God does not require thanks, it is important that we remember to thank him for all he has given us. Spend time in prayer.

The popular song says, "What the world needs now is love, sweet love." Yes, we do need love, but we also need to recapture a sense of gratitude in our lives. Let's start today to bring a positive thanksgiving into our lives.

Mary C. Uhler, editor

Mailbag

To the editor:

	Mailbag policy We reserve the right to edit or reject letters. Limit letters to 200 words or less. All letters must be signed. Send letters to: Mailbag The Catholic Herald P.O. Box 44985 Madison, WI 53744-4985 Fax: 608-821-3071 E-mail: info@madisoncatholicherald.org

To say the least I was a little dismayed, but not surprised when I read Mary Francis Heimann, O.S.F. and Natalie Krauss, O.S.F. of Madison's letter to the editor in the Nov. 21 issue, "Don't subject people to prescriptions."

By no means are the good bishops trying to impose unnecessary hardships upon the laity. What our bishops are trying to do is to instill unity and reverence to the most beautiful time of the Mass when Jesus Christ is truly present amongst us.

This gesture of kneeling in adoration from the Sanctus to the Great Amen is not only our church law for the United States but also has Apostolic approbation from the Holy See.

This posture is our sacred tradition and to do anything else during the most reverential time of the Mass constitutes a spirit of disunity and disobedience. Our Church leaders have always been sympathetic to those for health reasons who can not kneel and they shouldn't concern themselves with these guidelines.

Now, the dilemma those pastors have who allow their congregation to stand when our church law says kneel is that they lose credibility when preaching. If they can vary the laws, why can't we when good father is telling us we shouldn't use contraception or any other moral issues which are plaguing our society.

I say, "Obedience starts with our priests and sisters and then we will follow their good example."

Bill Brennan, Janesville

Mother is breastfeeding

To the editor:

Ms. Jeannie Manthe (Mailbag, Nov. 14) alluded to the fact that the Stingley family, blessed with four lovely babies, has opted to feed by formula only. Nothing could be further from the truth.

I am one of the helpers and am truly pleased and amazed at the calm, wonderful care Vikki is giving her four babies. She IS breastfeeding the babies as well as feeding them formula. With the assistance of her own caregiver, this was the best way to make certain that each of the four is getting the nutrition necessary for their growth. I know for a fact that she does breastfeed, as I have been witness to the events.

It is best not to judge what goes on in the privacy of the homes of others. We each do what we deem best for the lives of our little ones. We do not need someone looking over our shoulders telling us what they feel is the right thing to do. Judge not . . .

Betty Justman, Lime Ridge

Reader made wrong assumption

To the editor:

In response to Jeannie Manthe of Madison who just assumed that Mrs. Stingley, the mother of quadruplets, is not a nursing mother because of a picture of a volunteer feeding a baby with a bottle . . . you picked the wrong mother!

I know for a fact that Mrs. Stingely is a nursing mother. Have you ever heard of expressing breast milk? How do you know that the bottle held by that young girl did not have breast milk in it? A mother with four hungry babies can't just hold off feeding two of the babies because she is breastfeeding the other two.

Mrs. Stingley, who put herself at great risk to carry four infants, is a wonderful mother who does the best for those same infants now that they are born. That includes a private choice to nurse her babies. Each infant gets a chance at the special bonding you described.

Your assumption that this mother of quadruplets doesn't breastfeed is wrong. Maybe your knowledge and support of breastfeeding isn't quite as good as you would have people believe.

Julie Hineman, La Valle