It’s a tad ironic how easy it is to be grateful for the positive, joyful moments in life, and yet our faith calls us to be thankful for everything—even the most difficult situations. Yes, even in the death of a loved one, we "celebrate" a funeral Mass.

“Bear with each other and forgive one another. If any of you has a grievance against someone forgive as the Lord forgave you” (Colossians 3:13).

Francis once told a cardinal, “The Lord has told me that he wanted to make a new fool of me.” How many of us would boast that we’re idiots?

If you have children and aging parents, you understand the daily, intergenerational push and pull of family life. But how often do give yourself a moment to appreciate what you offer?

We have all been made in the image of a creative God, and we mirror that divine creativity in millions of ways. What form of creative expression can you put into practice today?

Think about the words of Mechthild of Magdeburg: “The Holy Spirit is our harpist/And all strings/Which are touched in Love/Must sound.”

In the Old Testament, God told Joshua, “I command you; be strong and steadfast! Do not fear nor be dismayed, for the LORD, your God, is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9).

While I am often goal-directed, I try to do something each day that neither toils nor spins, that doesn’t accomplish anything, that is simply joyful and fun. I believe God wants us to enjoy.

Today, I will observe the law of love. That love will strengthen me to do what is right and just in all the areas of my life.