gratitude again

The paper that came home with dear 8th grader concerning his faith statement included this bit from Thomas Merton.  I thought it was worth a second glance and copied it:

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. ~Thomas Merton

I loved the line that says, "...the grateful person knows that God is good, not by hearsay but by experience."  Yes!