A principal of a school, a dear friend of mine, was telling me of an incident where he'd seen a girl crying outside her classroom: "I asked her what the matter was and she told me her cat had died. Did it have any kittens?" I asked. "Yes," said the little girl, her eyes gleaming, "She had two lovely kittens and they are at home." "Then be thankful for them!" said the principal, hugging the child.

And maybe that's how we need to bring this year to a close, by being thankful to God for what we've got with us and not sorrowful for what we've lost: A friend sent me these lovely lines which I'd like to share with you today:

I am thankful:

For the spouse who snores all night because he's at home asleep with me and not with someone else.

For the children who complain about doing dishes, because that means they are at home and not on the streets.

For the taxes I pay, because it means that I can afford it.

For the mess to clean after a party, because it means, that I have been surrounded by friends.

For the clothes that fit a little too tight, because it means I have enough to eat.

For my shadow that watches me work, because it means I am out in the sunshine.

For a floor that needs mopping, and windows that need cleaning, because it means I have a home.

For all the complaining I hear about the government, because it means we have freedom of speech.

For the parking spot I find at the far end of the parking lot, because it means I have been blessed with transportation.

For the noise I have to bear from my neighbors, because it means I can hear.

For the pile of laundry and ironing, because it means I have clothes to wear.

For weariness and aching muscles at the end of the day, because it means I have been capable of working hard.

For the alarm that goes off in the early morning hours, because it means I am alive.

Ah its good to be thankful isn't it?

For flowers that bloom about our feet,

For tender grass, so fresh and sweet,

For song of bird and hum of bee,

For all things fair we hear or see—

Lord, God, we thank Thee!

For mother-love, for father-care,

For brothers strong and sisters fair,

For love at home and school each day,

For guidance lest we go astray—

Lord, God, we thank Thee!

For thy dear, everlasting arms;

That bore us through all ills and harms,

For guarding us throughout this year,

Knowing always that you were near—

Lord God, we thank Thee!

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.