Taking for granted

The little things –

Clear running water,
Clean air,
Fresh rain,
Warm sunshine,
Unclogged pipes,
Electric lights,
Laundry facilities,
Warm showers,
Food to eat …
Singing birds - and ears to hear them,
Familiar faces - and eyes to see them,
Fragrant flowers - and the sense to smell them,
Legs that work,
Pain-free days,
Laughter and tears,
Kind words,
Friendly smiles,
Helpful friends,
One more conversation,
One more chance to right a wrong,
One more hug around the neck,
One more kiss on wrinkled cheeks,
One more prayer together,
One more meal to prepare …
Maybe they aren’t so little after all.

The rambling thoughts are indicative of much that has happened around here lately. But with each thought comes the realization of how truly blessed we are.

God, help me to be grateful for each of these gifts. For these, and so much more, are daily touches from your gracious hand. I receive them with gratitude and thanksgiving. Help me not to waste the opportunities you give each day to pass on the blessings. Amen.

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights,
with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.” James 1:17