Gratitude on a Day in January

Last night I dipped into Richard Wagamese's book 'Embers' and reminded myself of the special sentiments in it.  This one seems particularly relevant on dull January days like today, when the smallest of things can bring such joy:

"I'm learning that happiness is an emotion that's a result of circumstances. Joy, though, is a spiritual engagement with the world based on gratitude.  Its not the big things which make me grateful and bring me joy, it is more the glory of the small: a touch, a smile, a kind word spoken....sunlight on my face, the sound of birds, walking mindfully....."