Faithlift Friday - An Attitude of Gratitude

This week I have really been challenging myself to have an attitude of gratitude. While I was thinking about what to post this week for Faithlift Friday I remembered this poem that I posted a while ago. As I was re-reading it I was struck again by how much I have to be thankful for.


Thanksgiving Poem (Edited)

Lord, thank you for this sink of dirty dishes; we have plenty of food to eat.

Thank you for this pile of dirty, stinky laundry; we have plenty of nice clothes to wear.

And I would like to thank you, Lord, for those unmade beds; they were so warm and comfortable last night. I know that many have no bed.

My thanks to you, Lord for this bathroom, complete with all the splattered mirrors, soggy, grimy towels and dirty lavatory; they are so convenient.

Thank you for this finger-smudged refrigerator that needs cleaning. It has served us faithfully for many years. It is full of cold drinks and enough leftovers for two or three meals.

Thank you, Lord, for this oven that absolutely must be cleaned today; it has baked so many things over the years.

The whole family is grateful for that tall grass that needs mowing; we all enjoy the yard. Our family is healthy and able to run and play.

Lord, the presence of all these chores awaiting me I say that You have richly blessed my family. I shall do them cheerfully and I shall do them gratefully.

And when I see the dent on the front corner panel of my car, I am thankful for all the dents, creases and crashes you have protected me from.

Even though I clutch my blanket and growl when the alarm rings, thank you, Lord, that I can hear. There are many who are deaf.

Even though I keep my eyes closed against the morning light as long as possible, thank you, Lord, that I can see. Many are blind.

Even though I huddle in my bed and put off rising, thank you, Lord, that I have the strength to rise. There are many who are bedridden.

Even though I groan when Naomi is up during the night, thank you, Lord, that I have the opportunity to be a mother. There are many who wish they could be.

And Lord, as I think about the argument we had last night, it’s an honor to be loved by someone who cares enough to challenge me and keep short accounts.

Even though much of my day is hectic, when socks are lost, cookies are burned, and tempers are short, and my daughter so loud, thank you, Lord, for my family. There are many who are lonely.

Even though our house never looks like the magazine pictures and the meals at times not balanced, there are many who are cold and hungry.

Even though the routine of my job is often monotonous, thank you, Lord, for the opportunity to work. There are many who have no job.

When I consider the grocery bill, the gas bill, the hydro bill, the cable bill, the phone bill, the medical bill and all the other bills, I thank you that you are my provider…

…and with you, my debt is paid in full!

Amen.


If you could add anything to this poem what would it be? What are you thankful for today?