Modim
At times, gratitude surges spontaneously, a swelling tide of joyful receiving, expressed unmistakably in hundreds of tiny signals flashing across our face and body. Like the ocean rising in the gravitational pull of the moon, natural gratitude is soul responding to soul. Too often, though, our gratitude falls short, dashing hopes and expectations in the delicate hour of love.
The Torah sets forth the problem of gratitude in the first two stories of God and the human race. In the first, Adam and Eve requite God’s exuberant generosity by violating the only restriction he imposes. In the next generation, God’s inability or unwillingness to express gratitude to Cain incites the first murder.
Gratitude cannot be forced. It can, however, be cultivated. Tradition recommends that we begin each day with the words “modeh/modah ani,” meaning “thank you.” Before the first thought or emotion enters the mind, we speak a word of thanks, planting a seed which we hope will grow into an honest and mature spirit of gratitude.
Similarly, the modim can help us develop gratitude. We will inevitably disappoint each other in love. That, apparently, is part of what it means to be in the image of God. But the modim reminds us that a spirit of gratitude, properly cultivated, can become second nature; not a payment of debt, but a surge of joy: “Your name is The Good, and to thank You brings us pleasure.”