Micah 6:8 – He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God? (KJV)

1 Chronicles 16:34 – O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever. (KJV)

1 Thessalonians 5:17-18 – Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. (KJV)

It is mid-morning.

While I walk, I smell the freshness of the fog, and see the early buds beginning to burst. While I walk past a window, someone is sitting at a desk, poring over a pile of papers. I wonder if they wish, if even for a moment, that they might be graced with the luxury of walking away from their work, out into this beautiful weather, and I give thanks for the blessing of being able to do so.

While I walk, someone has been given the diagnosis of diabetes; I am thankful for the gift of good health. While I walk, a family has been notified that their missing child has been found. The news is not good; I am thankful for the gift of knowing our children are safe. While I walk, sailors are being shipped out to sea somewhere to protect their country, or that of someone else. I am thankful for their dedication to others. While I walk, a cancer patient is being told he or she is not a candidate for chemotherapy. There is no more that can be done. I am thankful for the privilege of being able to share my time with those who have been told they have little left. While I walk, my friend mourns her dog that died a day ago; I am thankful for mine which walks beside me. While I walk, a spouse has walked out on their partner — a home is torn in two; I am thankful for a marriage that has lasted these 33 years.

While I walk, I am thankful that I can.

At any given moment throughout the day, God graces us with opportunities to acknowledge His works with words of thanks as a way to pray.

Prayer: O good and gracious God, may we continue to awaken to Your works in our everyday lives, and acknowledge them along the way with a word of thanks. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

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About the author:

Mary Daniel <marydee@shaw.ca>
Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada
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