"Let them give thanksto the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men -" Psalm 107.
And with this we begin a prayerful list of a thousand gifts. What lists have you made lately? I know mine - groceries, chores, books to read, movies to see, but what are these but counting what we do not have?
Instead, we turn with gratitude and pray for eyes open wide. Let me see the unending stream of gifts, Lord, that you so graciously bestow upon us. Open my eyes, that your gifts not go unnoticed, unappreciated or unrecognized. It is all from you, Father, Provider.
As John Milton wrote: "Gratitude bestows reverence, allowing us to encounter everyday epiphanies, those transcendent moments of awe that change forever how we experience life and the world."
Change me, Lord, that I will forever experience your world with awe and gratitude.
1. Tiny feet sneaking through the darkness for a hug.
2. the sweetness of piano falling on thoughtful ears
3. warmth on a blustery, wet day, the crackle of pipes warming
4. a hand on beloved's back as we settle into sleep
5. the temporary thaw, the squish of mud and the laughter it brings
6. feverish child comforted by mama's heartbeat
7. a family larger and stranger and more beautiful than we ever could have dreamed
I'll be scratching out my own list daily, posting some to share occassionally. One thousand gifts. And somehow I'm sure that will only begin to gesture toward just how much we are given. We are so blessed.
Thank you.
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