Become New with John Ortberg How to Be Grateful for the Ordinary with Laura Turner
Nov 24, 2025
Laura Turner, a gifted conversational partner and enthusiast of gratitude, joins her father, John Ortberg, to delve into the importance of appreciating the ordinary. They explore gratitude as a practice, how comparison can distort our perspective, and reflect on transformative moments from scripture. Laura shares her personal journey toward cultivating gratitude and reads a poignant poem by W.S. Merwin. This enlightening discussion encourages listeners to notice life's small marvels and actively express thanks.
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Gratitude As The Root Of Happiness
- Gratitude is a root virtue that arises from recognizing ordinary gifts around us.
- John Ortberg argues that if we saw gifts rightly, gratitude would shape a good life even amid suffering.
Chesterton's Joy In The Ordinary
- John reads Chesterton's playful letter rejoicing in ordinary things like ink, water, and mud.
- Chesterton uses the image of thanking no one for the 'birthday present of birth' to show wonder at existence.
Small Nudges Count As Gratitude
- Gratitude doesn't require a constant overwhelming feeling to be real or effective.
- Laura Turner notes you can feel nudges of gratitude and express them without becoming a different personality.
