I Was Not Thankful Until…

 I was not thankful until I sat in my chair looking out at my neighborhood unafraid  - no bandits or thieves or soldiers from some foreign shore pressed against my window.

I was not thankful until I filled my mouth with food and drink – some children go to bed at night unable to cry, unable even to cry because they are starving.

I was not thankful until I climbed into my bed and pulled the down comforter around my neck and snuggled into the deepness of sleep – some are sleeping in cardboard boxes; one family I know  is sleeping in a trailer in a neighbor’s yard, five children – one an infant – two parents and no heat but their own bodies.

I was not thankful until I awoke to dawn and the beauty of rain and sun and wind through the trees.  Some lands I know the air is filled with smoke, the ground is covered in debris, the trees are scorched and no wind soughs through them.

I was not thankful until I turned on the hot water and felt it splash upon my face, my body dripping with this priceless gift, watching it swirl as it raced down the drain.  Some have no water unless they lug it miles in pitch lined baskets.  And still, there is not enough to wash with – just a sip for each.  Maybe there will be rain tomorrow.

I was not thankful until I walked to the lake and watched the fish swim silently through the clear, cold rippled water.  Some lakes I know are polluted, fouled by human waste and the engines of war and manufacture.

I was not thankful until I went to work and sat at my computer, and read my books, and planned my sermon, and called on the sick, and visited the lonely. I get paid to love people.  Some people have no job though they are skilled.  Some have lost their homes as well as their health care and their hope.

I was not thankful until I got into my car to go home, driving through the countryside, free to come and go as I please.  Some people have no car, no horse, not even a donkey.  Some walk for miles for food, for clothing, for shelter, for a chance to learn.  I know a woman who walked five miles there and back to learn to read.

I was not thankful until I prayed. Forgive me for my arrogance.  Forgive my greed.  Forgive my selfishness.  Forgive me when I do not share.  Forgive me when I take for granted all that I have.  Forgive me when I forget the least of these, your children.  Make me thankful.  Make me thankful. Holy One, make me thankful.