It’s gift-giving season in many parts of the world. What a wonderful opportunity to be mindful of all the hands involved in design, manufacturing, delivery, and service.

When we receive a gift that delights us, it’s not only the giver who has contributed ... it’s countless others who have worked in the background.

A.J. Jacobs writes about this very thing in his book Thanks a Thousand, which chronicles his endeavor to thank every person involved in producing his morning cup of coffee — from farmer, to scientist, to truck driver, to designer, to barista, and everyone in between.

A simple cup of coffee exists because of efforts stretching across the globe. May our own gratitude in all things be stretched as far and as wide.