Thank You

I follow a blogger called horsehippie on Instagram, and she posts a Morning Mantra. I like it because it's a brief, pithy suggestion that I can carry around all day.  A few days ago, she posted "If you only say one prayer, let it be, Thank You". (All of her posts include a photo of a beautiful horse, of course.) That message has had staying power. 

Since about April, my husband and I have done big repairs on: air conditioning at both home and cabin, old Ford truck I use to pull the horse trailer, and my 14 y.o. Honda Element. We have replaced the water heater and fridge at the lake, roofs at home and cabin, and, yesterday, the fridge at home. We're feeling kind of picked on in the expense department. But my husband stopped short yesterday and said, "At least it's stuff that's broken and not us." What a change in perspective! We have friends who are fighting cancer, dementia, serious injuries from an accident, and deaths of adult children. We have friends who are raising their grandchildren because the parents are unable to overcome their addictions. We can manage problems with our creature comforts. Heck, I'm even laying out problems with our 2nd home here. Our bounty overwhelms and sometimes embarrasses me. 

Gracious and loving God, thank you. For the life you chose for me. For my 43-year marriage to my true love. For my family and friends. For the animal friends you have brought into my life. For the place I call home. For my access to medical care. For my freedom to worship. For our chance to enjoy retirement. For the restorative natural world. For the times in my life when You have healed me and equipped me to move forward. For the many mothers and fathers who have mentored me. For all of it, I give You thanks.

Amen