Don’t Forget To Thank God

When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the LORD your God for the good land he has given you. Deuteronomy 8:10

A story shared with me. ‘They huddled inside the storm door – two children in ragged, oversized coats. “Any old papers, lady?” I was busy. I wanted to say no – until I saw their feet. Little sandals sopped with sleet. “Come in and I’ll make you some hot chocolate.” There was no conversation. Their soggy sandals left marks on the floor. I served them cocoa with toast and jam to fortify them against the chill outside. Then I went back to the kitchen to work on my household budget. The silence in the front room struck through me. I looked in. The little girl held the empty cup in her hands and looked at it. The boy asked, “Lady, are you rich?” I looked at my shabby slipcovers. “Am I rich? Mercy, no!” The girl put the cup in its saucer – carefully. “Your cups match your saucers.” Her voice was old with a hunger not of the stomach. They then left, holding their bundles of paper against the wind. They hadn’t said thank you. They didn’t need to – they’d done more than that. Much more. Plain blue pottery cups and saucers, but they matched. Potatoes in brown gravy; a roof over our heads; my man with a good steady job – these things matched, too. I moved the chairs back from the fire and tidied the living room. The muddy prints of small sandals were still wet on my floor. I let them be. I want them there in case I ever forget how rich I am!’ The word for you today is: don’t forget to thank God.

Prayer
Heavenly Father, forgive me when I complain for all the things I don’t have and forget ALL the things I do have! Help me to help those with less. In Jesus’ Name, Amen