"At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us." ... Albert Schweitzer.

When David hears of the deaths of Saul and Jonathan, he bursts into a mournful but beautiful elegy. David's nobility of character is such that, in his sadness, his lament is based on his gratitude - gratitude to Saul for raising him up to the position he now holds, even though Saul, through jealousy, often tried to kill him; gratitude also to Jonathan for his precious friendship which made him rescue David from Saul's wrath on several occasions. In his gratitude, he praises them fulsomely, comparing them favourably to swift eagles and strong lions. Jonathan's friendship made him dear as a brother, and David's tears are evidence of his sense of irreplaceable loss.

David's grateful magnanimity in mourning for Saul, calling him 'the glory of Israel' is a facet of his personality which can be emulated by all. Waiting until death comes calling, however, to express gratitude for "lighting the flame within us" is not desirable. A sense of gratitude should pervade our relationships at all times.