I am thankful

Psalm 136:1 - “O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, and his steadfast love endures forever.”

This morning, I am so thankful!  As I sit at my table, I look out and see rain filtering down from the sky to water this earth that is yearning for moisture and I am thankful. I see a squirrel gnawing at a pinecone and a deer eating the good berries from my huckleberry evergreens. I am thankful—that there is food for them and that I can enjoy my natural neighbors.

I am thankful that there are some small children playing across the street and a woman with two large dogs taking her regular morning walks with her two friends. I am thankful that I have a home, food, clothing, and a bed to sleep on. I am thankful for neighbors that are present when I need their help or most importantly their friendship.

I am thankful that I have a family, spread apart by hundreds of miles perhaps, but who cares for each other. I am thankful for the teenager who shared with me her joy of volunteering in a hospital where she can just talk with the patients to bring them peace, joy, or relief for even a few moments. I am thankful for the woman who adopts and loves children she knows would not have a good home otherwise.

For the people in our church who serve in so many ways because they know that that is what God has called them to do, I am thankful. For our leaders in our church, community, and nation who seek to do God’s will, I am thankful. For teachers, police officers, community advocates, and medical personnel who bring help, hope, and healing to others, I am thankful. For those who spend time in prayer for the hurts and harms around us as well as for the good things they see, I am thankful.

For God who loves us in the most radical, unconventional ways, with patience, mercy, and compassion, I give thanks.

I could go on and on because my heart is bursting with thankfulness. How about you? What list of thanksgiving will you give today to our God who has blessed us beyond understanding?

Prayer: O God, it is so easy to see the darkness of life. Help me to see all the blessings around me. Amen