You’ve heard it before:
that tale about the two sisters.
One relevant moment with a fairy and wham! —
Each time they open their mouths, out fly judgments:
Flowers and jewels for the good sister,
snakes and stones for the bad one.
Let us forsake the topic of practicality:
You could chip a tooth on a ruby,
not to mention choking on a toad.
I have lived this story and so have you.
When I breathe a discordant word,
I might as well expel an asp.
But put words of thanks on my lips,
and suddenly —
a spray of petals, bright diamonds,
a shining array of good and gracious.
It is time to decide your gifts:
Which sister will you be?
For me, I give thanks:
for shoes in the closet,
for heat in my home,
for food so plentiful,
I think of dieting.
O God, O Provider of all,
make of my words
all that is precious,
all that is holy:
May I return to you your gifts
in rose-hushed prayer
and sparkling praise.
7 comments
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November 26, 2013 at 10:59 pm
suebe
Just home from the funeral of a friend from my church choir. This was just what I needed. Quiet comfort.
–SueBE
November 27, 2013 at 4:28 pm
loristrawn
So sorry, Suebe. May your holiday be peaceful, and know that I am praying for you.
November 27, 2013 at 1:01 am
sf
I love that:
“for food so plentiful,
I think of dieting.”
Goodness, ain’t that the truth for me for many, many years! Thanks for reminding me to be thankful for it!
November 27, 2013 at 4:28 pm
loristrawn
Thanks, sf! I know…I am getting rather too round around the middle. Is it wrong to chalk it up to years of evolution favoring the rotund? 🙂
November 27, 2013 at 11:42 pm
Thanks-Giving | Ruth Williams' Blog
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November 27, 2013 at 11:44 pm
rhcwilliams
Rose-hushed prayer! Have mercy, Lori. This is a re-post, oh yes.
November 28, 2013 at 4:43 pm
loristrawn
Thank you, Ruthie! Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.