People who have faith in life are like swimmers who entrust themselves to a rushing river. They neither abandon themselves to its current nor try to resist it. Rather, they adjust their every movement to the watercourse, use it with purpose and skill, and enjoy the adventure.
David Steindl-RastOnly gratefulness, in the form of limitless openness for surprise, lays hold of the fullness of life in hope.
David Steindl-RastEyes see only light, ears hear only sound, but a listening heart perceives meaning.
David Steindl-RastWhat brings fulfillment is gratefulness, the simple response of our heart to this life in all its fullness.
David Steindl-RastDay and night gifts keep pelting down on us. If we were aware of this, gratefulness would overwhelm us. But we go through life in a daze. A power failure makes us aware of what a gift electricity is; a sprained ankle lets us appreciate walking as a gift, a sleepless night, sleep. How much we are missing in life by noticing gifts only when we are suddenly deprived of them.
David Steindl-Rast