"Thankful"

I sometimes take for granted,

This cowboy way we live,

And really don’t appreciate,

The blessing that it gives,

Of early sunrise glory,

Shining dew upon the grass,

Cattle grazing ‘cross the pastures,

And sweet memories that last.

Fresh air and flowing river,

Trees leafing out in spring,

Endless shades of pink at sunset,

And the hawk upon the wing.

Horses loping for their water,

Song birds calling from each limb,

And the chores of every season,

Make your worries fade and dim.

And it’s not without frustration,

But the good things far outweigh,

Any challenge we encounter,

On any given day.

So praise for this old lifestyle,

That flows from sacred land,

And that’s because God gave it,

And we’re thankful in His hand.

“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget none of His benefits.” (Psalm 103:2, NAS)

The old hymn “Count Your Blessings” comes to mind. The verse speaks of naming the blessings one by one. Not a bad idea, when you stop to think about it. We all have so to be thankful for, yet some do not live thankfully. Theirs is an tight, dehydrated existence of entitlement and complaint. How sad to be blind to the incredible benefits God sends to all of us. Even those who suffer have reason to praise. That’s why the psalmist exhorts us to remember, and Paul says to give thanks in every circumstance. It’s our identity and destiny.

Lord, teach us to live thankfully, in Jesus’ name.

Photo by Kirstie Lambert, used by permission. Thanks, Kirstie, and God bless you.