The consequences of an ungrateful spirit are not as readily seen as, say, those of a contagious disease. But they are no less deadly. Western civilization has fallen prey to an epidemic of ingratitude. Like a poisonous vapor, this subtle sin is polluting our lives, our homes, our churches, and our culture.

The grateful heart that springs forth in joy is not acquired in a moment; it is the fruit of a thousand choices.

Be thankful for what you have—you'll end up having more.

Outrage is appropriate in response to genuine wrong, tears in response to grief, shock in response to unexpected disaster. We mustn't force ourselves to thank God for these things or we will be harder on ourselves and softer on evil than God is. It is not that even Christians need not give thanks for these things, but that Christians especially should not give thanks for them. We should always be as human as God made us.

It is much better to fulfill the purpose of God in your life by discerning His will than it is to perform great acts of self-sacrifice.

I do not believe it is possible to exaggerate what she has been in the way of a Sacrament out here—God conveying His presence through the common elements of an ordinary life.

O Lord, I would bless and praise Thee. How hard I find it to praise Thee when I am not physically fit, and yet why should it—that means that I praise Thee when it is a pleasure to me physically. O Lord, that my soul were one continual praise to Thee.

What you appreciate appreciates.

And be over-the-moon grateful that everything is working out for your good.

If my heart is ever going to be freed of grumbling and ruled by gratitude, I need your grace: grace to remember, grace to see, grace that produces a heart of humble joy.

If praise is celebrating God's awesome glory, then complaint is antipraise.

The DNA of joy is gratitude.