Here at a golf course in Providence, RI, I looked out this morning and laid out before me like a perfect tapestry: crystal blue skies hovering over startlingly vibrant green grass and grand old trees. And overseeing it all was the continual symphonic chorus of birds. It's a bit cool here, but not chilly, just pretty much perfect. I stood there for a moment, standing in an asphalt parking lot and paused to savor the peaceful, joyous sight before me.
And I couldn't help but think: how many times do I miss it? In my hurry, in my preoccupation, in my anxiousness, how often do I pass right by these moments of pure God-created and God-sustained delight? Sure, life is hard and sometimes awfully difficult. Sure, we all have things to do and places to go and people to serve... but really, can't we still pause in the midst of it and simply give thanks? Thanks for the beauty and wonder of God's green earth. Thanks for the priceless gift of the people in our lives. Thanks for a beating heart and a seeing eye and a listening ear that can comprehend the magnitude of this fine day... or this challenging day... or even this impossibly hard day. Thanks that whatever we are going through, we are not going through it alone. Not ever.
I just read this today: "The thankful receiver bears a plentiful harvest." William Blake
Lord, make us thankful receivers. We so often forget, we are recipients all day, all night long of Your grace, Your goodness, Your love, Your forgiveness, Your strength. Make us mindful this day of all we are receiving--whether it's a hug from a friend or a a word of encouragement or a song that we love or a sweet dog greeting us at the door or a blue sky and green tree courtesy of our gracious and relentless Gift-Giver.
Thank You, Father. I don't know what the rest of this day might hold, but right now, I simply say, thank You. To God be the glory.
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