Thankfulness

By Liz Wiskowski

      We all thank God for the obvious things in our lives, such as our family, a warm house, food on our table. But what about the hundreds of little things we encounter everyday?

      When I wake up in the morning I thank Jesus for watching over me through the night, and for the new day, rain or shine. We need both. When I take a shower or even flush the toilet I say thank you, because I remember growing up without running water. We had a path not a bath! The whole family carried water from a well every evening to use the next day. How we dreaded the day mom was going to do the laundry!

      When I leave the house I say thank you for a reliable vehicle. I remember when we were first married, we had such an old car, it often wouldn't start and we walked to church or to the grocery store, etc.

      As I approach church I say a silent thank you for our church, our priests, the Eucharist, and our chapel for adoration.

      I say thank you for the strength, the ability to still work hard long hours, resulting in beautiful flowers and vegetables, all created by Him. They bring smiles to many faces.

      I thank Him for knowledgeable doctors who have seen me through several serious illnesses. This last episode showed me how many wonderful friends and family members I have who showed their love through prayers, offers of assistance, and who even brought me meals. I am blessed. I still have a few physical problems, but they are small crosses. Thank you God.

      Yes, there are some people who don't like me and say and do mean things. This behavior used to bother me so much that I would become physically ill. But I have grown up, emotionally and spiritually. I feel that God put them in my path to keep me humble, and to let me know that I am not that important. This world will get along just fine after I leave it. Thank you God.

      There are days when I mourn over those I have lost or problems that arise, but He sustains me. He is always there to talk to day or night. Thank you God.

      Every day, every hour, every minute there are little and big things to thank God for. Try to remember to do so.