Thanks for the Little Things

There was a small feature, years ago, syndicated in major newspapers across the country. I can’t even remember whether it appeared daily or whether it was weekly. But each one was only a column wide and about 4 inches high. The writer mentioned all the little things she was thankful for at that moment. I can’t even remember if it rhymed but even if it didn’t, it flowed like poetry. Folks used to cut some of them out and send them to friends and loved ones - they were beautiful thoughts, and they were just the size to tuck into a wallet’s photo sleeve.

About two years ago, I began to say special thanks to God each night, after I turned off the light, and all was quiet. My last thoughts of the day, troubled as it may have been, is therefore turned around by forcing myself to find thinks to thank him for, large and small alike.

Tonight, for instance, I might be saying, “Thank you, Father, for hot water plumbing in my home, a shower, and the fact that I can still stand up in the shower and I do not yet need a shower chair. Thank you for the food we had today and for the grace that we were not picky about what it was. Thank you that it was only 110 degrees and not 118, and that the A/C is still working. Thank you that my hands can still crochet, that my eyes can still see the shows on TV, and especially tonight, thank you for being there whenever I finally find the time to come to you.”

It is a good way to fall asleep...<\ItemPage>