Paul, I like Kreeft's perspective—it sort of demystifies sin, but it also makes it more complicated (or certainly more interwoven into our daily experiences). I'm sinning an awful lot, under Kreeft's definition. But I'm also thankful for people and practices that help make God more real in my life. I can definitely see their effects.

Ed, thanks for the comment. I really like what you said about gratitude: "...gratitude’s power isn’t in how we feel. It is what it can do to our relationships." I guess that addresses my second point in my post—the issue I have that gratitude seems to be something that happens to us (and then we recognize it), rather than something we actively use to make our lives and the world better. Taking gratitude that next step, into our relationships, is a great, active extension. 

Trina, you're right—it is a bit like having a full "love tank!" When I read that analogy in the Love Languages book, it struck me as SO true. When our tanks are full (of love or gratitude) we can travel confidently along many lonely, rough miles. Thanks for making that connection!

Joy, I love how you describe your experience, as a process of baby steps, each leading to the next (first running, then the sunset/sunrise): "...at least I had something beautiful and grand to build upon!" That makes me think of the crumbs, and how we can be fed by them, and given hope that there will be more—enough, even.