A Time to Be Thankful (2014)

Lord, Almighty God.

It takes little effort to see
        that some are blessed,
        others not.
Your blessings fall heavy
        on some,
while bombs fall heavy
        on others.

Decades of drought and corrupt militias,
        are the rule of life
        for some;
while clean water, and good irrigation,
        are the rule of life
        for others.

Job knew this to be true –
        and his friends are still learning:
the world is full of your blessing,
        and at the same time –
        full of deep pain.

Always.

And, Lord, truth be told,
        it is easier to see the pain,
        and to complain,
than to look through the smoke
        to see what is good,
        and to exclaim.

Thank you Lord!

Thank you for your patience,
        waiting to hear our
        gratitude;
without giving up on us,
        without labeling us
        ingrates.

So this week –

Please Lord, at least this week,
        give me to this work of joy:
        to choose gratitude.

To look for the good like
        a miner searching
        for a diamond;
to have the eyes of an eagle
        so I too can see below
        the surface.

So when my entitlements fail,
        and I get less than –
        other than;
I will choose gratitude for
        a relationship that
        never fails.

So when your presence is thin,
        and I do not sense you –
        or feel you near;
I will trust your fidelity to
        promises that
        never fail.

So when pain cuts deep, without
        the outcome for which
        I pray;
I will refuse bitterness or anger
        that holds my love for you
        hostage.

Lord, help me see the honorable,
        the good, the faithful –
        all your gifts;
and help me choose:
        gratitude –
                for your work – perfect in every way;
        thanksgiving –
                for your gifts – lavish, full, and free;
        praise –
                for your faithfulness – loving, and utterly reliable.

To this, my dear Friend, I commit myself.
Amen

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