Remember to say 'thanks'

What a glorious summer this has been! Amazingly fair weather, moving us from drought to fields lush with bumper crops, and flower gardens bright and beautiful with moisture from nature instead of the garden hose. There have been celebrations and festivals to tease out our awareness and appreciation for the gifts and talents of our ancestors and our current neighbors. A bit of rest and recreation as we vacationed or enjoyed a picnic or a boat ride on the river or a trip to Lake Darling newly restored.

In the midst of all this bounty have we also taken time to give thanks? Or have we questioned the different weather patterns with a skeptical tone about the reasons behind them? Have we offered assistance to people in so many other parts of our nation who have suffered from floods and fires and ever longer seasons of drought? Or have we complained about the abundance of gnats and mosquitoes?

Being human so often brings out the negative in us, even in the midst of splendor. Let?s change our patterns to look for the good that comes from our Lord and pause to give credit where it?s due and to offer our gratitude for ALL the ways God blesses us ? yesterday, today and again tomorrow.