Like most mornings, I woke up at 5:30 and realized by the chime of 8 (9000 seconds later), that I hadn’t taken even one of those seconds to murmer a “thank you.” In the rush of moments that make up every 24 hours, I can get caught up with life like so many of us.
Can anyone of us honestly say they have never taken life for granted?
So, I chose one of those moments to pause before they passed . . .
A window scene, thanks to Creator God for the cardinal on winter’s branch that reminds me He cares for me more than the intricate feathered design.
Thank You God for dawn. First fruit praise, I get to greet another day.
And for my Bible, where Your voice waits within tattered leather.
We live in a land where holy books are plentiful, but sadly often touched only by dust.
There at my feet, a faithful cat, a long time decendant of Noah’s pet, I’m sure.
And then, I bow low my head.
My granddaughter left on a missions trip to East Africa yesterday and will be away until May. This makes me think deep. From canopy bed to tent, exposure to continent culture unknown within the ambiance of her farm. She will come home new and teach me many things. I won’t take time for granted with the woman-girl who has grown rapidly and will soon remind me not to take my surroundings for granted.
I think of things that I simply assume.
Two loving parents who raised me. Then it seemed ordinary, expected. I can never take for granted when standing on the other side of the stone, remembering. My husband was raised in an orphanage, no loving parents, no expectation.
Education. I took school for granted and behavior aborted my path.
Families. Long ago when hours held more time, I was a keeper of the home with a house filled with the chatter of children. Now, I am a keeper of an empty nest. Grateful for shelter and one to share it. Assuming it will remain just this way, as I did the house of children. Contented sigh.
Breath. The one who heaves breath lying next to me reminds me it is a gift from God and He is the One who puts air into our lungs. Once a machine did this for a dying husband when he fell into a coma and cheated death.
Health. Wonderfully made. Our health takes flight cell by cell as we greet another birthday. Reminded of times past, rejoicing when I could finally change the wet diaper of a baby son born with kidney failure. A journey of a lifetime that has kept me from taking function for granted.
Thumbs. Over a year ago, I had a joint replacement in my rheumatoid dominant hand. Life changed, and so did my hair! Tie your right hand behind your back for eight months and try and do everything you ordinarily do . . . everyday. (unless you’re left handed).
Feet. Once, a son was told he would never walk again after a near fatal car crash. Multiple surgeries and negative reports seemed to confirm the words spoken over him. Thankfully, it didn’t come to pass. Never a step should be taken for granted.
Humans. People are the value here on earth. Family connected by DNA and friends connected by heart. Strangers who open doors and smile like you matter. The body of Christ who come alongside when we go through the life stuff. True value.
I’ve been made painfully aware of the admonition to REMEMBER. Too often we are prone to forget the most basic of blessings.
List the unending. Volumes.
Begin a mental list that won’t get shuffled under distractions and schedules. First line, the Father, Who often gets overlooked in the busy day!
How can we prevent ourselves from taking the big and the small wonderfuls for granted?
By imagining what our lives would be without them . . . one by one.
Every good and perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father . . . James 1:17
Verna
Oh Verna, you say so eloquently just what has been in my heart this week. Our faithful Father has been reminding me of just such blessings — a tiny preemie baby who is now,thirty years later, a godly husband and father and son who is such a delight and joy to me
— another son struck down by a car, in a coma for two weeks who now, 25 years later is also a godly husband and father, devoted to his family and a joy to me. These were a couple of the “biggies”. But every day there are countless blessings – each beat of my heart, each breath that I take, each family member, each friend, each precious Word from His Word – if I spent all the days of my life thanking Him it wouldn’t be enough. Isn’t it great that we’re going to have eternity to do that!
. . . and it will take eternity, right Connie? I know you have a huge gratitude story, and I’m so blessed by what God has done in your lives.
Precious Sister,
Thanks so much for the tender reminder. I certainly am so grateful to God for returning by dear husband to our home. I just always took it for granted that his strength and provision would always be here for me. How kind God is to do a deep work in our lives through all circumstances.
God bless your day,
Love ,Donna
I know your heart, dear friend. Grateful praise for returned husbands! Love you.
Dear Verna,
Thanks for sharing the importance of remembering to give thanks…in such a beautiful and poetic way.
love you,
Glenda
. . and thank you for your faithful visits and encouragement, dear friend.
Yes, I’ve been trying to thank God as soon as I wake up, too. But I’m afraid I don’t always do it. But doing my Bible study first thing helps me get focused quickly.
It helps me to stay disciplined if I begin first dawn! Thanks, Vonda.
Am ever reminded lately that every day is a gift. Thanks for reminding in detail how amazing and kind our GOD is! :0) Liz
The many ways we are reminded every day . . . thank you, Liz.
Amen, Verna. Father has given you a powerful gift with words. Love you – Marlene
And I thank Him . . .and I thank you for your good guidance! Love you, too . . .
What a journey you have had! Thanks for sharing these personal blessings in such a touching way; beautifully stated. Gives me much to reflect on with a grateful heart,,,,,,,,so many ways the Lord blesses and sustains us-thanks for the needed reminder.
. . and you have been my prayer partner on this journey, thank you Laura!
Focus is the target I am heading towards this year in every area of my life, will I miss?
I am sure I will at some point, but if I fall I hope I do on my knees heating the floor face down. Thank you for the sweet reminder 🙂
Blessings!
. . . and thank you for your many sweet reminders! Learn much from you. . .