Gratitude is more than a mental exercise, more than a formula of words. We cannot be satisfied to make a mental note of things which God has done for us and then perfunctorily thank Him for favors received.
To be grateful is to recognize the love of God in everything He has given us — and He has given us everything. Every breath we draw is a gift of His love, every moment of existence is grace, for it brings with us immense graces from Him. Gratitude therefore takes nothing for granted, is never unresponsive, is constantly awakening to new wonder, and to praise of the goodness of God. For the grateful person knows that God is good, not by hearsay but by experience. And that is what makes all the difference… Gratitude is therefore the heart of the Christian life.
Deana O'Hara - Speaker, Comedian, Writer 
Hi Deana, I, too, was searching Google for the Thomas Merton quote on gratitude for my blog and it brought me to your website. How wonderful to find it here tied to you and your story. And as with Veni, I’ll share with you my favorite verse on thanksgiving/gratitude: “He who sacrifices thank offerings honors me, and he prepares the way so that I may show him the salvation of God.” Ps. 50:23. God bless you.
Judy
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Thanks Judy. Always a pleasure to meet someone new. Blessings.
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Hi Deana, I was searching google for Thomas Merton quotes on gratitude for my blog and it brought me here, which is funny cause I thought I went back to my page since they look almost alike! And our content is very similar 🙂 I am looking forward to reading some of your posts. God Bless and have a wonderful week!
Veni
PS…my favorite psalm is 139 🙂
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Simple and it says it all. Gratitude brings so many good things to life. God is not about us suffering. He gave us life as a gift.
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“For the grateful person knows that God is good…”
So right. This is the reason for Thanksgiving.
Thanks,
Susan
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I just read an article on my news page that stated that “Thankful” people are healthier and happier than those who (paraphrased here) think the world owes them everything they have and then some.
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