The Flow of Gratitude – Henri Nouwen
Gratitude flows from the recognition that all that is, is a divine gift born out of love and freely given to us so that we may offer thanks and share it with others.
The more we touch the intimate love of God which creates, sustains, and guides us, the more we recognize the multitude of fruits that come forth from that love. They are fruits of the Spirit, such as: joy, peace, kindness, goodness, and gentleness. When we encounter any of these fruits, we always experience them as gifts.
When, for instance, we enjoy a good atmosphere in the family, a peaceful mood among friends, or a spirit of cooperation and mutual support in community, we intuitively know that we did not produce it. It cannot be made, imitated, or exported. To people who are jealous, and who would like to have our joy and peace, we cannot give a formula to produce it or a method to acquire it. It is always perceived as a gift, to which they only appropriate response is gratitude.
Pastor Michael Moore's Blog 
Should we not come to see all experiences as being “from God”? Is not all that happens for our learning and “growing towards God:? Does not one’s choosing what one should be thankful for put worldly preferences over “His” otherworldly knowing of our needs…in furthering our upliftment?