I posted this a few years back but because it includes a grateful reference to the first day of June, it seemed an apt time to pray these words again. And please, take some time and add your own reasons to be grateful to my list below…
Just musing, Lord,
at the end of day,
on simple things
for which I am so grateful…
Simple things like:
the first day of June
a friend’s touch on my shoulder
a hint of your presence beside me
the freedom in which I live
a child’s wonder
realizing how God’s been moving in my life
stars on a clear night
a bed to sleep in
good dreams to remember
feeling understood (even for a moment)
picking up where I left off with an old friend
breakfast, lunch and dinner
reading something I wish I’d written
good music, well played, beautifully sung
sunshine
hope, even in hellish times
flowers blooming
happy memories, and some sad ones, too
hearty laughter
a well-written poem
cold drinks on hot days
looking up and discovering a full moon
your forgiving my sins
a clean shave, a hot shower
clouds
finally doing what needs to be done
a loyal friend
a day with no bad news
thoughts of going to Colorado
waves lapping at the shore
a sleeping baby
remembering what I’d forgotten
classic jazz
word that my friend feels better
something to look forward to
naps
embraces
telling the truth when it’s hard
a friend who has my back
slippers
the satisfaction of a job well done
oaked chardonnay
birdsong early in the morning
photos of those who are gone
quiet time
raindrops on the roof, on the window, on my face
a word – when I need to hear one
time spent in prayer
a good cry , followed by another good cry
staying up late and sleeping in the next morning
even just the illusion that I’m all caught up on work
a real letter in the mail
flowering trees
sourdough bread
being on time
finishing the Sunday NYT crossword
shared hope
seeing my work bear fruit
scents and smells that unlock memories
getting anything done on time
finding much needed solitude
serving others’ needs
seeking and finding what’s true
a good night’s sleep
spending whole days in my sweats
watching a dad watch his son with love
long weekends
silence: longed for, found and healing
doing what I know I should do
the grace of God
laundry done, folded, put away
the patience others have with me
leaving behind what’s foolish
the sound of the song of people at prayer
trusting that all, that all shall be well
doing the next right thing
exchanging smiles with a stranger
making peace with my neighbor, my God, my self
coming here for prayer, morning and night
living in the moment, a day at a time
remembering that I am loved,
that I am loved for who I am…
Just musing, Lord,
at the end of day, on simple things,
on simple things
for which I am so grateful…
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…
Simple Gifts performed by
‘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.
