Gratitude

The day was much too entrancing to stay in the house a moment longer. The dogs read my mind and started dancing with joy. While I was putting my shoes on, they raced to the door and then back to me repeatedly, as if to say, “What’s keeping you? Come on, slowpoke”

We walked past the barn and down the logging road to the woods. A few of the trees were still sporting fall colors and the sun was shining, making dappled shadows on the trail that we entered. With the trees shedding their leaves, we can see further now than we could a week ago. The fallen leaves are a lovely tapestry of colors on the ground and they rustle and crunch as we walk through them. The smells of fertile soil, disintegrating leaves, and cool, fresh air are so satisfying, that I have to be careful not to hyperventilate from sniffing.

At times like this, I am reminded that these things are given to us by our Father. How much He must love His children to give them such wonderful gifts. He is generous and His favors are many. Most of them are right before our eyes at any given time. This is the month in which we celebrate thanks­giving with a special day; it is a good time to think about how grateful we should be every day.

“Gratitude takes nothing for granted, is never unresponsive, is constantly awakening to new wonder, and to praise of the goodness of God.”