What a great writer is Jan Karon. But my favorite book by her is one she didn’t write and which, I suspect, has not received adequate attention. It’s a compilation of her (and Father Tim’s) favorite quotes, entitled A Continual Feast. Here are some samples I pulled from the book in the general category of thanksgiving, attitude, and contentment.
To live content with small means; to see elegance rather than luxury, and refinement rather than fashion; to be worthy, not respectable; and wealthy, not rich; to listen to stars and birds, babes and sages, with open heart; to study hard; to think quietly, act frankly, talk gently, await occasions, hurry never; in a word, to let the spiritual, unbidden and unconscious, grow up through the common – this is my symphony. – William Henry Channing, clergyman & reformer (1810-1884)
Remember this—that very little is needed to make a happy life. – Marcus Aurelius
He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has – Epictetus