If We Are Keeping Score…

There is an old Hi and Luis comic strip that shows the little girl Trixie, looking out her window. She is waving to an elderly gentleman and thinks to herself, “There’s old Mr. Wavering. He always waves and smiles!” Then, in the next frame, she thinks, “I guess by the time you get to be that old, you have a lot of things to be happy about!”

That’s so true. However, it is also true that as we grow older, we might also have more things to complain and feel sad about. But I like Trixie’s take on it better. If we’re going to keep a record, I want to keep score of the good – remember more of the moments of grace. That’s exactly why I like the idea of keeping a gratitude journal. Many people I know benefit greatly from making a daily list. If you take this endeavor on, try to think of just a few new things each day. Be specific, and watch your countenance and perspective on life change.

Let us pray: Today, loving God, I am grateful for the birds singing outside my window. I thank you for a supportive, loving family; for the sunshine streaming through my window, and for fresh flowers sitting on our dining room table. I am thankful for the opportunity to share in the Dial Hope mission, and I pray for each person engaged in this ministry today. Continue to give us grateful hearts. Amen.