Everyday Blessings

I received a forwarded e-mail titled: Chocolate Ice Cream that expressed the thoughts and actions of an elderly gentleman who would order sundaes for dinner because he was up in years and did not want to miss out on life’s little blessings while he was still able to enjoy them.

It made me sit and think of God’s blessings in my own life…blessings that I can miss if I do not keep my eyes, ears, and hearts open to see them.

God’s blessings are all around us…hundreds every day…

Just a few off the top of my head...

Singing birds in the morning, sunrises with tiers of clouds like a stairway, raindrops on the roof, the scent of lilacs, the baby birds in the nest below the window, a gentle breeze, the wag of a puppies tail or the purr of a tabby, the hug of a friend, a card in the mailbox, the taste of blackberry jam, the dog-eared page of a much loved book, adult children, grandchildren, the soft recliner to rest the eyes, baking cookies, a warm shower on a cool morning, a new albino baby squirrel playing in my trees, a good movie, a good marriage, a kind husband, women friends, chocolate milk shakes, good pasta, warm bread, cinnamon toast, a brand new pretty top, a new book, a drive in the country, drinking rich coffee while sitting in my screened porch, a thunderstorm with lighting, fluffy clouds with funny shapes, a good night’s sleep, powerful sermons that make me think, good people to work with everyday, people that share and love and inspire me, Sunday morning at church, a day at the zoo with grandchildren, my sisters, a day with nothing to do, fellowship, old and new friends, a competent physician, decent health, good teeth, eyeglasses, insurance, a good haircut, a computer, any job well done and completed, good neighbors, dinner with friends, hummingbirds at the back porch, a smile from a stranger, the kiss of a baby, the sunset with streaks of red, gold, yellow and beauty, a walk among old lush trees, silence, music, prayer, Christ, the Word, the Holy Spirit, soft grass under feet, mud between the toes, a car that runs, a job to go to, a house to welcome you home, a soft pillow and warm blanket at night, pantry filled with food, a belly that is never hungry, eyes that see, ears that hear, hands that reach out, arms that hold, words that comfort…..

This is a good reminder for me …don’t just “smell the flowers” and miss all the rest…I want to enjoy it all…and soak it all in like a hungry sponge and squeeze some out to others…..

What would be on your list?…let us all enjoy the blessings of God today and every day.