A Word About … Giving Thanks

We’ve had a fire in our town.
           A terribly destructive conflagration is what it was.
And brave firefighters and first responders ran toward the flames,
                flames that seemed to swallow entire neighborhoods and forests and … lives.

There are signs, now, all over town. 
             Expressions of gratitude to the firefighters for their courage and skill.
I think it’s wonderful that the fire has been stopped, and at least in part, ‘contained.’

And I think it’s really wonderful that so many people in our town have taken the time and made the effort to post or hold up “Thank You” signs to those whose lives were endangered.

But, I wonder?
    I do wonder, how different things would be for me, if …

If I lived a truly grateful life, not only after a firestorm, but on a daily basis?

What would it mean to the way I think, the way I act, the way I live,
    If every morning, as my feet hit the cold floor of life,
        I looked into the face of a loving God and held up some sign in my life,
                    Some indicator that expressed … “Thank you”?

If I got up every morning, and instead making my pitiful list of all I think I need,
                       What if I intentionally noticed and took stock of all I actually have?
    
How would it change me?

For a certainty, it is true:
    The Book says that “every good and perfect gift” comes from His bountiful hand.
        A mind to reason, and strength, to stand.
        The breath in the air.
            The provision and care
                He faithfully shares
                    With every living creature,
                        (which oddly enough, includes even me.)

Like manna of old, morning by morning,
    I enjoy a daily “provision” for life.

Whether I remember to ask Him, or not.
    Whether I even take notice of Him, or not,
He is there. 

How, I wonder, would things be different,
    If I would just address
        and confess?
            Yes, confess … the sin of ungratefulness in my life?

Do I even have a clue?

I think not.

Because, … I thank not. 
    Not nearly enough.

“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.” (Ps. 103:2)