I will Lift Mine Eyes
To fully live we must embrace the small miracles in each moment.
So many reasons to be thankful today, and everyday......
For waking up.
For my parents, and those who played that role through the years.
For family, near and far.
For the sound of my children's laughter throughout the house, even at crazy hours of the night.
For friends, those who have known me forever, and those friendships that are new.
For humor that makes difficult situations easier.
For the ability to learn new skills, and continue to study.
For adventures taken, and yet to be taken.
For beauty that surrounds me in Nature.
For the chirping of the birds early in the morning.
For my favorite books.
For music.
For musical instruments.
For my ability to play the piano, even with achy fingers.
For my gift of creativity.
For traditions.
For weather that changes.
For innovation and technology.
For energy, even when it wanes.
For music left by Elvis.
For family that travels distances to spend time with me.
For quiet mornings, while tired little ones slumber.
For Christmas music playing on the radio.
For a tea cup full of pleasure.
For not too cold November mornings
For pre-lit Christmas trees
For dirty shoes after a nature hike with family
For sip and stroll evenings
For cool November days for hiking with no mosquitoes.
For handmade ornaments
For simple reminders around the house of a life lived....snow globes of places visited,
pictures with friends and family in different parts of the world, rafting on rivers in Taiwan,
listening to the Bhuddists monks chanting in their monastery in the mountains of Taiwan,
making bricks in Mexico,
working with orphans in Mexico,
the beauty of the skyline in Hong Kong,
the sun rising over the Great Wall of China,
cruising on the Cajun Queen on the Mississippi River....and so much more
......Most of all, I am grateful for the empty cross because I know what Jesus did for me, and that Jesus is alive!
