The way to be grateful to this world is not to expect anything. Just as an unexpected gift is more delightful, you can be happy by not expecting. A wish is a thirst in itself. The stronger it is, the more intense your thirst will get, the further from being fulfilled. Therefore the wisdom which can diminish your wish to a reasonable degree is necessary.

On one hand, a wish itself is a driving force to lead your practice. On the other hand, it is also a hindrance. Everything has both sides like that, and you should be able to steer even such both sides into balance and harmony.