I
can do that starting with my thumb. I think with joy of what is so
precious to me.
I
can do that with my pointer finger. I think with joy of what is so
precious to me.
I
can do that with all my fingers. And before I get to my pinkie, I
know I have more blessings than I can count. But I have to.
Because
God is just so good.
I
turn to my other hand. I can count with those fingers, just in this
past year, times of intense strain, struggle, sorrow, grief, fear. I
touch fingertip to fingertip, hands together. And I thank You, Lord.
You've
been so good to me. Through times I would never have chosen. Through
times I would trade nothing for.
Together
I touch my gathered fingertips to my face, and I praise You for every
comfort and every comforting. You are the same in all seasons, Lord,
for in everything you give me life abundantly, above more than I can
ask or think.
In
every year I can recall, and in years that others recalled for me, I
can count more and more blessings like these. As I do, I find myself
fully in gratitude's grasp.
I
could do the same at St. Patrick's Day, or National Chocolate Chip
Cookie Day, if I celebrated either. On any date, I could measure off
a year of God's goodness, both humbled by his touch in my life, and
enthralled to witness it in others'.
Our
lives are graced by seasons, given to help us mark the times, but
wonder has no season.
Jesus
began his ministry on this earth with this message:
“The
time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and
believe in the gospel.” Mark 1: 15b
The
kingdom of God is within your reach. Give thanks and receive God --
again today, and then every day you're given.
The
time is at hand.
