I first posted this in 2021 and then again in ’22 and ’23, each year adding a few more simple things for which I’m truly grateful – as I do tonight… You might take some time to make your own list of simple things (and some things not so simple) for which you’re truly grateful…
Just musing, Lord,
at the end of day,
on some simple things
(and some things not so simple)
for which I’m truly grateful…
Simple things like:
Jesus
a summer’s day
a child’s eyes, open wide in wonder
a friend’s hand on my shoulder
freedom (I too easily take for granted)
even a hint of Jesus’ presence at my side
Georgetown, Colorado
the close harmony of a cappella voices
a starry sky on a clear night
a bed to sleep in
a friend’s face in a crowd
being alive and well at 77
memories of my porch in Monument Square
my family of origin
feeling seen, known, understood, accepted
picking up with an old friend – right where we left off
breakfast, lunch and dinner
sensing how God’s Spirit is moving in my life
reading something I wish I’d written
my faith
good music, well played, beautifully sung
sunshine
childhood memories of Christmas
every day of 51 years of ministry
people without pretense, guile or hidden agenda
hope, even and especially in hellish times
flowering trees budding and blooming
happy memories of loved ones and good times
the mercy of God
sad memories connecting me with what and whom I’ve lost
hearty laughter
the sun’s warmth on my skin
a well-written poem
my friends, old and new, remembered and forgotten
the Cape, especially Hyannis
watching the growth of crops along familiar roads
a loyal friend
cold drinks on hot days and coffee any time
writing a well turned phrase
good news of any kind
looking up and seeing a full moon
proclaiming and preaching the Word of God
having dinner on my sister’s porch
the generous depths of the mercy of God
a clean shave, a hot shower
clouds
sharing with others in faith, in prayer
finally getting around to doing what needed to be done
Starbucks’ egg whites with roasted peppers
the kiss of a breeze, the push of the wind
memories of friends who’ve forgotten me
a rainbow
critique that helps me change and grow
a day with no bad news
crossing the Sagamore Bridge – east bound!
waves lapping the shore and my toes
the peace of a sleeping baby
remembering what I’d forgotten
classic jazz
a soft rain, a driving rain
a kind word from or to a stranger
leading others to God, to prayer, to peace
word that my friend is doing better
praying with the men at Clear Creek County Jail
living in sweatpants and hoodies
presiding at the Lord’s Table
naps
embraces, hugs and squeezes
telling the truth
writing my blog
a friend who (always) has my back
slippers
the satisfaction of a job well done
Sauvignon Blanc (New Zealand)
birdsong at dawn
human imagination
knowing when to speak – and when not to speak
Woods Hill Table’s mesclun greens salad
photos of loved ones I miss
quiet time, lots and lots of quiet time
walking into any place where everybody knows your name
raindrops on the roof, on the window, on my face
a word – when I need to hear one
the peace of being in prayer
the wisdom of human experience
a good cry
staying up too late, sleeping in ’til ……
a real letter in the mail
sourdough and dark rye bread
being on time
finishing the Sunday NYT crossword
the bridge over Clear Creek at 8th and Griffith
seeing my work bear fruit
the quiet consolation of a friend who understands
sounds and scents that unlock memories
arriving on time
solitude
serving others’ needs
seeking and finding the truth
a good night’s sleep
picking up my dry cleaning
watching a dad watch his son with love
long weekends
silence: longed for, found and healing
doing the next right thing
blueberry muffins in the morning
the amazing grace of Jesus
laundry done, folded, put away
an owl’s song in the night
the patience others have with me
a quarter century in Concord
leaving behind some foolishness
the sound of the song of people at prayer
trusting that all shall be well – and finding how true that is
exchanging smiles with a stranger
making peace with my neighbor, with God, with myself
praying with those who gather in my virtual chapel
living in the moment, a day at a time
discovering, remembering, believing
that I am truly loved…
Just musing, Lord,
at the end of day,
on some simple things
(and some things not so simple)
for which I’m truly grateful…
for which I’m truly grateful…
Thank you, Lord, for all these gifts
and for gifts that I’ve forgotten,
gifts I’ve yet to open,
gifts I’ve yet to find
and the gifts you’ve yet to give me…
Protect me, Lord, while I’m awake
and watch over me while I sleep
that awake, I might keep watch with you
and asleep, rest in your peace…
‘Tis the gift to be simple, ’tis the gift to be free,
‘Tis the gift to come down where we ought to be,
And when we find ourselves in the place just right,
‘Twill be in the valley of love and delight.
When true simplicity is gained,
To bow and to bend we will not be ashamed,
To turn, turn will be our delight,
Till by turning, turning we come round right.
‘Tis the gift to come down where we ought to be,
And when we find ourselves in the place just right,
‘Twill be in the valley of love and delight.
When true simplicity is gained,
To bow and to bend we will not be ashamed,
To turn, turn will be our delight,
Till by turning, turning we come round right.
