June 18, 2006
On this morning of Father’s Day, ’06, I am filled with delight and gratitude for life. My prayer of thanksgiving to God for present blessings is long, and it begins with the gift of Charles, who smiles and says that Hallmark invented this day to sell cards. I tend to disagree because most of the Father’s Day cards are illustrated with boats, golf clubs, fish, guns, cars, or ducks, showing a great lack of imagination in subject matter for fathers in general. I found a delightful card that was none of the above, and sadly, in very small print that I missed, it said, “Happy Birthday”. Unfortunately, his eyesight is far better, and it was the first thing he read, out loud. Tsk. I blacked it out with a felt tipped pen immediately, but the moment was already lost.
The litany continues: For a remission of cancer that has returned much of my energy and given me days of joy and happiness, Thanks be to God.
For children who have blessed me hugely with their concern and wisdom and for friends who come with books, food, companionship, stories, and encouraging words, Thanks be to God.
For the many people that care and the many voices that pray in unison and in still inner voices, Thanks be to God.
For a natural world that is mine to see and experience – sunrises, songs of birds and crickets, fireflies at dusk, red cardinals, orange orioles, yellow finches, bluejays, rose-breasted grosbeaks, and many more creatures and colors – all parts of a fantastic creation, Thanks be to God.
For kind and caring nurses, good doctors, and medicines that make it possible to move forward in hope. Thanks be to God.
And finally, for all those blessings that are mine that I don’t even know about, or don’t fully appreciate, Thanks be to God!