We live in a culture that struggles to truly be thankful.  We are so much quicker to complain or be offended and have no thanks than we are to truly know thanks.  Culturally, we have a propensity away from gratitude and toward self.  Our perspective on what we have and therefore our ability to give thanks is only truly realized “in light of God’s mercy”.  Without a proper perspective from where God has brought us, we can never recognize how thankful we should be.  Giving thanks isn’t something we just have to do, but something that flows naturally when our perspective is clear.