Thankfulness is about being content. And contentment is about going against the tide of materialism, consumerism, egotism, and many other “isms” of the age!
But if we are just the product of random, purposeless forces and will just cease to exist when we die, then why not be egotistic, consumeristic, and materialistic? Why be content? Why be thankful? Why not just “eat, drink, and be merry for tomorrow we die?” (Luke 12:19, 1Cor. 15:32)
Thankfulness is rooted fundamentally in a worldview that does not revolve around oneself. A worldview that does not focus on the temporal but on the eternal. A worldview that teaches giving before receiving. A worldview that teaches serving rather than being served. A worldview that teaches such ironies as loving ones enemies, blessing those who curse us, and praying for those who abuse us. A worldview that seems to go against our egocentric nature.