“Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.” — William Arthur Ward
Even when things don’t go well, it’s possible to be thankful. I’ve unwrapped those feelings of gratitude. Most of the time they fill my heart. And it seems I’m not alone. Please reflect on the voices of others, voices of wisdom found below, during this Thanksgiving season.
The gift of gratitude
“Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all the others.” — Marcus Tullius Cicero
“God has two dwellings—one in heaven, and the other in a meek and thankful heart.” — Izaac Walton
“Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.” — Melody Beattie
The discipline of gratitude
“When I started counting my blessings, my whole life turned around.” — Willie Nelson
“The discipline of gratitude is the explicit effort to acknowledge that all I am and have is given to me as a gift of love, a gift to be celebrated with joy.” —Henri Nouwen
Thankful hearts
“No duty is more urgent than that of returning thanks.” — James Allen
“The unthankful heart…discovers no mercies; but let the thankful heart sweep through the day and, as the magnet finds the iron, so it will find, in every hour, some heavenly blessings.” — Henry Ward Beecher
“If a fellow isn’t thankful for what he’s got, he’s not likely to be thankful for what he’s going to get.” — Frank A. Clark
“Thanksgiving is a season that is very much in accord with the themes and teachings of Jesus Christ.” — John Clayton
“Thankfulness is the tune of angels.” — Edmund Spenser
Gratitude perfected
“Two kinds of gratitude: The sudden kind we feel for what we take; the larger kind we feel for what we give.” — Edwin Arlington Robinson
“We can set our deeds to the music of a grateful heart, and seek to round our lives into a hymn—the melody of which will be recognized by all who come in contact with us, and the power of which shall not be evanescent, like the voice of the singer, but perennial, like the music of the spheres.” — Wm. M. Taylor
“A single grateful thought toward heaven is the most perfect prayer.” — Gotthold Ephraim Lessing
My prayer: May feelings of gratitude sink deep within our hearts. May thankfulness regularly rise from within us to bless others. Have a very special Thanksgiving season.
From Scripture: Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Maxine,
Thank you for sharing with us these poignant quotes of Thanksgiving. They are a fragrance for today and days forward. Thank you for the blessing you and Jerry are to Susan & I. Praying God’s presence envelopes you today & especially this season.
You are so welcome Jerry. My hope is to inspire people to count their blessings. We, too, are thankful for the enduring friendship God has knit together. Thank you for the prayers. Our prayers are with you and Susan as you both experience the holiday season differently this year; the other side of loss.