In Praise of the Useless Life

In a consumer-driven world where we're told we need and deserve more, Susan Muto, executive director of the Epiphany Association, reminds us that gratefulness is a gift from God. In Gratefulness: The Habit of a Grace-Filled Life, she reveals that grateful living is not another new fad but has been the way of saints and Christian mystics for centuries. Many popular secular books today explore how embracing gratitude can lead to a happier, healthier life. In contrast, Muto, a renowned author, speaker, and teacher, approaches gratitude from a uniquely Catholic perspective.

In this insightful, inspiring book, she explores how life-changing a spirit of gratefulness can be by using both personal and well-known examples of the struggles and rewards of grateful living. Muto and companions such as Julian of Norwich, St. Thérèse of Lisieux, Henri J. M. Nouwen, and Dorothy Day highlight the power of gratitude as a grace from God and walk with us as we learn to practice thankfulness.

We start the journey toward gratefulness by embracing gratitude in all circumstances and end it by thankfully accepting the missions God entrusts to each of us. Along the way, we begin to accept God's grace by understanding

• the benefits of positivity and dangers of negativity,
• the redemptive power of prayer, and
• the lasting fruits of thankfulness.

A spirituality of gratitude reminds us that, even without the possessions, luxuries, or leisure time society claims are the most important things in life, God still loves, cares, and knows what's best for us. Muto also provides practical tools that help us embrace this grace in our lives.