A man of compassionate heart

has a heart aflame for the whole of creation, for humankind, for the birds, for the animals, for the devils, for every creature. When he thinks of them or sees them, he sheds tears. So strong and violent is his compassion that his heart is in anguish and he cannot bear to hear or see the slightest ill or the least sadness in the heart of creation. Accordingly, he prays with tears at every moment for the dumb animals, for the enemies of the truth and for all who do him harm, that they may be protected and forgiven. In the immense compassion which arises overwhelmingly in his heart in the image of God he prays even for reptiles.

Isaac the Syrian Ascetic Homilies Discourse 71

We must

begin with thanksgiving for everything. The beginning of joy is to be content with your situation.

- St. Ambrose of Optina

This grass is an icon;

this stone is an icon; and I can kiss it, venerate it, because it is filled with God's grace. The world is not for us to take things from, but a place where we cast off our passions and desires.

Elder Paisios of Mt. Athos, quoted in Through Creation to the Creator