Happy Monday. What makes you grateful today?
We just had a beautiful weekend. The sun was warm, the birds were singing, and the trees were budding. Guess what? I could see all of the beauty and hear all of the birdsongs as I was able to walk outside.
In spite of these blessings, last week I went to an appointment at the Eye Institute in Dallas. After suffering a few weeks with eye problems, I was given the diagnosis of a cornea malady. It is nothing serious but is just irritating. However, it is fixable! My son drove me to the appointment. As we sat in the waiting room, the door opened. A nice-looking young man walked through the doorway. His “eyesight” was a stick that he held out in front of him. He tapped it on the ground before each step to walk surefootedly to the reception desk. I was overcome with gratitude that I could still enjoy seeing the beauty all around me.
This is the time of year that I get the “gardening itch,” so I walked around a large garden center a few days ago to whet my appetite. I saw the vibrant colors and the many flower varieties. Each bloom was so intricate in beauty and fragrance. I was blessed to absorb it all!
Would you join me in choosing to live with a grateful heart, even with the certain infirmities that will come? We should make this our prayer:
“Not more of Light we ask, O God,
But eyes to see what is;
Not sweeter songs, but ears to hear
The present melodies.
Not more of strength, but how to use
The power that we possess;
Not more of love, but skill to turn
A frown to a caress.
Not more of joy, but how to feel
Its kindling presence near,
To give to others all we have
Of courage and of cheer.”
– Anonymous
In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. – I Thessalonians 5:18
by Beverly Hyles
From the Mondays with Beverly blog. Reprinted with permission.
