Gratitude and Grace

This Week's Quotation:

When we live in the spirit of gratitude, there will be much happiness in our life.

Because of your smile, you make life more beautiful.

Awareness is like the sun. When it shines on things, they are transformed.

Walk as if you are kissing the Earth with your feet.

~Thich Nhat Hanh, Vietnamese Buddhist monk

Gratitude and Grace

Terri McCartney

Isn’t it lovely that our inner joy expands the more we appreciate the preciousness of life and everyone and everything around us? Giving thanks is simple, easy and so very powerful. Gratitude is everyday alchemy that yields grace and joy.

Have you noticed how a smile fuels your inner love engine? The song of an early morning bird, the cool breeze on my face, and the aroma of freshly baked bread never fail to summon a smile and open my heart. How about you? I give thanks that we live in a majestic and wondrous universe that invites abundant smiles and gratitude throughout each day.

No matter what twists and turns we encounter as we travel the road of life, gratitude will ease the challenges and enable us to hear the chorus of angels. As the grace of gratitude deeply penetrates us, it has the power to transform our lives.

The human journey might be challenging right now. All the more reason to dedicate time each day for a gratitude rant. Even when it seems it’s three steps forward and two back, there are still abundant reasons to give thanks. Let us shine like the suns we are—smiling, dancing, laughing, exploring, and giving thanks for this sacred journey.

About Open Windows

We, the authors of this blog, dedicate it to the transparent exploration of the world's sacred scripture and enlightened spiritual thought. We believe that the original inspiration of all faiths comes from a common source, named and revered in a myriad of ways. With that understanding, the innumerable symbols, beliefs, and practices of faith cease to divide. They become open windows to a common reality that inspires and unifies us. We find deeper insight and nourishment in our own faith and from the expression of faith from others.

We hope these weekly quotations and meditations speak to your heart and soul.