Five Brilliant ‘Appreciation’ Quotes

“I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought, and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.”

~G.K. Chesterton.

Gratitude and thanks have it. Chesterton, I maintain, has the highest order of all our human concern pinned right here. If we’re thankful we’re appropriately elevated in thought, word and deed. If we’re grateful we own that happy and serendipitous wonder of the angels of God.

“Silent gratitude isn’t much use to anyone.”

~G.B. Stern.

We’ve all been grateful yet not had the poise to mention same, not instinctively repaying the grace shown; then the opportunity to voice our approval slips and we’re saddened for it. “Oh, well, maybe next time...” we say. Stilted gratitude will be the end of us. Let’s harness the moment—Carpe Diem.

“Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they just have the heart.”

~Elizabeth Andrew.

Those who are genuinely servant-hearted don’t do a thing because of obligation. Duty gives way for devotion. Their very essence streams with volatile, throbbing love emotion; for the needs they see that they can fill before them. This is not us being everything to everyone; it’s subconsciously moving in buoyant harmony with the Spirit of God within us.

“Those who bring sunshine to the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves.”

~James Matthew Barrie.

Is this not the core gospel message in fourteen humble words? Kindnesses are always reciprocated—well, as a general rule, and over the longer run. The paradox is that people genuinely bringing sunshine to the lives of others couldn’t truly care less for reciprocity; but they sure do enjoy giving.

“The purpose of life is not to be happy—but to matter, to be productive, to be useful, to have it make some difference that you have lived at all.”

~Leo Rosten.

Trying this, we know it. It’s critical we have purpose in life—purpose is the vehicle moving us cogently towards happiness.

© 2010 S. J. Wickham.