Giving Thanks

We often give thanks for big things,
But tend to forget the small.
Yet they may turn out to be
The most significant of all.

So, thank you, Jesus, for all of these:
The neighbor who puts my paper at my door;
The speeding ticket I wasn't issued;
The compliment from a stranger at the grocery store.

The phone call from an old friend
Just when the day was going all wrong,
The car that barely missed hitting mine,
Cheery lyrics of a song.

The rain that didn't fall
When I had a picnic planned,
And the warm and happy feeling
When a child reached for my hand.

But most of all my gratitude
Should be the silent prayer:
I thank you, my dear Jesus,
For always being there.

Mary S. Palmer 11/6/11