Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Dearest God,

You have given me so many gifts, too many to name. But the one gift that keeps surfacing is a heart full of gratitude. Even as I awaken in the dark early morning hours, I begin my prayers with a thank you. I know I have not come by my blessings on my own. All I have has come from you.

Tonight in just an hour's time I sat at the Old Spaghetti Factory secretly giving thanks. I was grateful for the Christmas season, for the last time I ate with family at one of my deceased father's favorite restaurants, for the reconciliation between family members, for my marriage, for the Christmas decorations, for six grandchildren coming to visit for our big Advent weekend starting friday, for the carriage ride we will enjoy following the surprise symphony presentation, and for my joy this year.

You have blessed me with a desire to give thanks all day long. I look out our new study windows and I give thanks for the gorgeous white snow blanketing our back yard, garden and trees. I look at my decorated Christmas tree and I give thanks for all the stained glass frosty ornaments I recently created that now gladly make my grandkids happy. Giving thanks, O God, among other things, makes me smile.

What do
I give
to you
who has everything?
What can
I possibly
give to you?
You bless me
and bless me
and bless me.
Thank you,
thank you,
thank you.

Love, Andrea