By looking up, by raising our eyes above our limited horizon, we are more likely to perceive the blessings hidden in affliction.

"The root of joy is gratefulness."

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.

As I express my gratitude, I become more deeply aware of it. And the greater my awareness, the greater my need to express it. What happens here is a spiraling ascent, a process of growth in ever expanding circles around a steady center.

Everything is a gift. The degree to which we are awake to this truth is a measure of our gratefullness, and gratefullness is a measure of our aliveness.

Only gratefulness, in the form of limitless openness for surprise, lays hold of the fullness of life in hope.

Wherever we may come alive, that is the area in which we are spiritual.