A father was walking downtown with three small boys. They caught my eye because the boys were dressed in matching baseball hats and jackets. They all looked so clean-cut and wholesome. One of the boys looked up at his dad and said, “Thank you Dad.” For what he was thanking him, I don’t know. What I do know is that gratitude is contagious, because one of the other boys quickly followed suit with a thank you to his father. I smiled at the realization that good manners are still very much in vogue and that as much as society tries to portray the youth of today as spoiled and ungrateful, there are many gentle children in this world who are quite capable of displaying a thankful heart.
Next, I saw a mother and her toddler. The mother was leaning down to hand a beautiful autumn leaf to her son. In her, I saw gratitude for the lovely, seasonal gifts of God, and I saw her eagerness to share this wonder with her child. It was a simple act with significant meaning.
This world is a beautiful place, with beautiful people. We are blessed again and again by the love of our glorious Father. And when we take a few minutes to show our appreciation for His many gifts, the world becomes even more beautiful.
Thank you God, for your many blessings, and thank you for your many beautiful people who know a good thing when they see it, and aren’t afraid to show their gratitude.
Amen.
"Because a thankful heart is a happy heart...be glad for what you have, that's an easy way to start."
ReplyDeleteAhhh, the wisdom of VeggieTales :)
When your weary and cannot sleep just count your blessings instead of sheep. Then you will fall asleep counting your blessings! (White Christmas)
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your attiduted of gratitude!! The thought of these little ones put a smile on my face.
Beautiful post, Annie!
ReplyDeleteGratitude is such a simple gift to give. Thanks for sharing, Anne.
ReplyDeleteYes, there are beautiful people everywhere and children are such a blessing. I wish we could have more. We'll see, it could still happen :)
ReplyDeleteWonderful as always, Anne!
ReplyDeleteWe can look for the bad in the world, and we will find it. We can look for the good in the world, and we will find that, too. I think you spend most of your time looking for the good. What a pleasant way to live!
ReplyDeleteThank you for a glimpse of the good in the world, rather than of the mean, of the evil, of the wrong which is what we so often notice. Good, quiet and unobtrusive, requires a practiced eye and heart to recognize it.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful vignettes, Anne. They simply warm my heart on this chilly morning. :)