There is no closer bond than the one that gratefulness celebrates, the bond between giver and thanksgiver. Everything is a gift. Grateful living is a celebration of the universal give-and-take of life, a limitless yes to belonging. Can our world survive without gratefulness? Whatever the answer, one thing is certain: to say an unconditional yes to the mutual belonging of all beings will make this a more joyful world. This is the reason why Yes is my favorite synonym for God.

Gratefulness is the gallantry of a heart ready to rise to the opportunity a given moment offers.

In moments of surprise we catch at least a glimpse of the joy to which gratefulness opens the door.

Through people that I did know or through things that I did touch, I am connected with everything that ever was and everything that ever will be. Everything hangs together with everything.

A lifetime may not be long enough to attune ourselves fully to the harmony of the universe. But just to become aware that we can resonate with it -- that alone can be like waking up from a dream.

Eyes see only light, ears hear only sound, but a listening heart perceives meaning.

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