(This was written a dozen years ago. I found it today and still mean it. If you know what real poetry is supposed to look and sound like, you may skip this!)
I’m grateful for my burdens,
For they have made me strong.
Thankful for my friends
Who tell me when I’m wrong.
I’m grateful for my critics
For sometimes they’ve been right,
And have been the voice of God to me
Even if doing it out of spite.
I’m thankful for my wife —
We’ve covered many a mile.
She’s signed on for the duration
And does it all in style.
I’m grateful for my children —
Two sons and a daughter.
This is where I thank Margaret again —
I’m so glad I caught her!
I’m particularly grateful for my grands —
Leah, Jessica, and Grant,
With several more on the way;
I think I may faint!
I’ve not had a real job in years.
I spend all my days around church.
I pray with folks, share their sorrows and their tears;
You couldn’t improve on this without a search.
I’m thankful for the deacons
Some have been my dearest friends,
Though I’ve wished they all would see me
Through rose-colored lens!
I’m grateful for our staff,
Ministers of God every one.
Not a lazy bone in their bodies,
Who don’t mind having some fun.
I’m thankful for the churches
The Father called me to pastor.
Though I’ve wished they all responded
To my leadership a little faster.
It’s great to know the Lord,
And to serve Him alongside you.
I expect we’ll be doing this
Until Gabriel takes his cue.
So let’s determine to help each other
To make the burdens a little easier,
To bless and pray, work and sing,
And make life a whole lot sweeter.
.
I believe that each of us took a real good look at our life we all be very grateful. I think of the song Count Your Blessings that Irvin Berlin wrote Bing Crosby sings it in the movie “White Christmas”. I also know the church hymn “Count Your Blessings”.
Lynn