I am not the poster child for positive thinking. My proverbial
glass is frequently leaking. But, it is something that I am working on. Every
night, I make a concerted effort to find some moments to thank God for. It has
helped my general outlook tremendously.
In Gratefulness: The Habit
of a Grace-Filled Life, Dr. Susan Muto invites us to take thankfulness even
further. She asks us to follow St. Paul’s instructions in 1 Thessalonians 5:18
to “give thanks in all circumstances.” We are called to give thanks in both
good times and bad, to trust that God is always with us. “We believe that our
trust in the Lord will never be disappointed, that no prayer goes unanswered
and that the gifts bestowed by God bear lasting fruit in the long run.”
Muto discusses the benefits of positivity as well as the
dangers of negativity, offering practical ways to quiet the negative voices
inside our heads. She also explores the signs that we are making progress in
grateful living as well as the lasting fruits of thankfulness.
In addition, each chapter profiles two saintly companions in
grateful living, providing role models for us to imitate. There are also
reflection questions for private or group use. The Conclusion offers 12
tried-and-true ways to foster receptivity to and cooperation with the grace of
gratefulness.
The Appendix could actually be considered a bonus book. Muto
includes 21 reflections which could be used as a self-guided retreat. “Counsels
on the Grace of Gratefulness: Twenty-One Days with the Ancient, Medieval, and
Modern Spiritual Masters” features short biographies of each spiritual master,
followed by a quote by them and reflection questions.
If you want to embrace a more grateful spirit, Gratefulness: The Habit of a Grace-Filled Life
will help you on your journey.
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