A Litany of Thanksgiving

Thank you for a new day;

That I can wake up,

That I am alive and healthy.

Thank you for a comfortable bed with a mattress.

Some people have no bed; they sleep on a mat on the ground.

Thank you for a cement floor.

Some people only have a mud floor; that's difficult living.

Thank you for electricity;

For candles and matches;

Some people have no fuel.

Thank you for water;

For clean water;

For hot water;

For water in a tap;

For clean, hot, running water.

Delicious!

Some people have to trek a long way to get cold water from the standpipes.

Thank you for soap

To cleanse the body

Of grime and sweat and dust;

To cool and refresh.

Some people can't afford soap.

Thank you for soap to wash clothes,

To remove dirt and dust and sweat.

Some people can't afford soap and only have the muddy river water in which to wash clothes.

Thank you for fresh coffee.

Thank you for fresh milk

To drink and to make yoghurt;

Yoghurt with fresh mangoes, papaya, pineapples, bananas Mmmm! We are spoiled.

Some people start the day without eating; Not only because it's not part of their routine but because they have no money to buy food.

Thank you for clothes;

Clean clothes each day.

Some people have to wear the same clothes every day.

Thank you for books to read.

Most people have no books and many people don't know how to read.

Thank you, Lord, for so many good things.

Lord, why do you give to me so many good things to enjoy ...

"Command those who are rich in the things of this life not to be proud, but to place their hope, not in such an uncertain thing as riches, but in God, who generously gives us everything for our enjoyment." 1 Timothy 6:17

...but not to others?

"But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him?  Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth." 1 John 3:17-18

Blessings