Today, I woke up alive and healthy, in a warm bed, next to my best friend. (Thank you) I stepped out onto a soft carpet on the floor of a relatively nice home in a safe, small town neighborhood. (Thank you) On my way to the bathroom, I bent down and scratched behind the fuzzy ears of my loving canine friend of many years who was snuggled up warmly in his little bed. (Thank you)
I flipped a small switch on a sturdy wall and was immediately surrounded by bright light by which to see. (Thank you) I turned a lever in a tiled room and clean, hot water began to flow from above. (Thank you) I enjoyed the fragrant smells of shampoo, conditioner, face soap and body wash—four separate products that we were blessed enough to afford. (Thank you) I took a few extra minutes to simply let the hot water wash over me while I quietly prayed to my gracious, loving God about my day, my life, my family my friends, and those I don’t know. (Thank you) I rifled through a great number of clothes, considering the many different options I had—multiple pairs of pants, socks, underwear, t-shirts, button-up shirts, sweatshirts…choices that I have been afforded. (Thank you) I brushed my teeth with the convenience of an electric toothbrush, put little lenses in my eyes by which to clearly see, rubbed a pleasantly fragrant stick under my arms, and applied a cream to my hair to style it (and I use that term quite loosely). (Thank you)
I packed my iPad (a marvel of technological genius) and some important documents into my messenger bag, donned my warm jacket and comfortable shoes and stepped out just in time to catch a beautiful sunrise. (Thank you) I got into my mostly reliable car of sixteen years, started it with no problems and drove safely on paved roads toward my place of employment. (Thank you) I was lucky enough to have the convenience of not having to get out of my car as I ordered breakfast and coffee from a restaurant that had it ready in under three minutes. (And even though it didn’t taste all that great, thank you)
I arrived safely at my secure job of many years where I was greeted by my coworkers and a kind note left by a customer. (Thank you) I entered my own office which is decorated with all my weird toys and art, I turned on my beautiful computer, and sat down to begin my day in a comfortable, ergonomically-engineered chair. (Thank you) I read a favorite inspirational scripture that I have printed and mounted to my wall, all without fear of persecution or ridicule from my coworkers or employer because of my faith beliefs. (Thank you)
I don’t know what lies before me on this day, but I am sure that whatever it is, it will be met with many, many more “Thank yous.” Our lives are often filled with difficulties, frustrations and challenges. But the number of small blessings we have (many of which are overlooked and unconsidered) trumps those things by leaps and bounds. When we consider these tiny blessings we reorient our hearts, calibrate our kindness, and are fueled to lead more joyful, appreciative, and full lives—no matter any other circumstances. (Thank you)
Oh, the scripture on my wall that I read each day?
“Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honorable, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” —Philippians 4:8
(Thank you)