"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 a grace, for it brings with it 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." (From "Thoughts In Solitude" by Thomas Merton)

 

True gratitude is not only being aware of the blessings we have received from God, but expressing our thanks to God in some external way.  What are you most grateful to God for?  For me it Is a share in his own divine life.  Yes, I am grateful for being created in his own image and likeness. But it is the new creation that excites me. My physical life will come to an end but my life in God will continue through all eternity. And the best way I can show my gratitude to God for this amazing gift is to remain in him every day, free from serious sin. Even this can be done only with his grace.