Gratefulnesss….and Prayers
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Today, on Independence Day, I find so much to be thankful for…
Last night, I went to sleep in peace, feeling great confidence that I would not be snatched from my bed by a secret police force and that I wouldn’t be awakened by mortar fire or explosions in my neighborhood. Thank you to our military who stands guard for my family. I pray for their safety.
This morning I woke up in a home that I own myself. Thank you, God, for the gift of being born in a nation of wealth and opportunity. I pray for those who have no place to call home or who are struggling to hold on to the one they have.
A short while ago, I chose a breakfast from a pantry full of nutritious and delicious foods. Thank you, God, for providing more than enough. I pray for those who feel the pain of hunger today.
A few minutes ago, I spent some private time in worship and prayer with God. Thank you to our military, past and present, who gained and preserve our freedom of religion. I pray for those who must risk their life to worship God today.
Right now, I enjoy the freedom to write my thoughts and share them with the world through the internet –with no fear of repercussion from an oppressive government. Thank you again to our military and also to my fellow citizens, who all work together to preserve this imperfect, yet wonderful government system. I pray for those who risk their lives to speak the truth.
Later today, I will likely join friends and family at a gathering full of laughter and love. Thank you to all those in my life who are there for me and love me just as I am. I pray for those who feel the ache of loneliness and don’t know where to turn.
Today, I will enjoy a wonderful day of relaxation and fun with my beautiful children. Thank you, God, for the gift of these precious angels. I pray for those who yearn for a child or who grieve the loss of their own angel.
Today, though I still have troubles and problems in my life, I walk in freedom with peace in my soul. Thank you, Jesus, for rescuing me from the darkness and showing me the light of your love. Your strength sustains me and your love heals me.
It’s so easy to miss all of the gifts in our lives. Today is a good day to remember…. What are you grateful for today?
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Sharlene Prinsen 
Shari–you once again gave all of us the perspective in live that we should be thinking about especially today–thanks for your story. God Bless you and your family this 4th of July.
I was bummed because I have an awful sore throat and can’t join my sisters/brothers-in-law for the 4th. Your blog made me think more about how fortunate I am to have health insurance so I could go to the ER without hesitation. Thank you to the MD’s and nurses who gave their holiday to assure me it was a virus and not strepe. It still hurts like crazy but I don’t need to worry it will “spread to my heart”. Thanks Dr G for the assurance and your time on this holiday.
So nice to see people looking at the bright side. It is still a wonderful country that we live in. Hope you had a happy and peaceful 4th!
Thanks Shari, for reminding me of the many things I “Take for Granted”. It is so easy to fall into that routine of saying “Thanks” for the safety, health, etc. of my personal family/friends….but looking at the Bigger Picture, there is so much more….the list is “Endless”. God Bless.