Thankful Part 2

A Thanksgiving list, a gratitude journal, counting your blessing. They are so similar and so important. Whenever I stop to think about life -- you know, Life with a capital L -– I know I have a lot to be thankful for. A few surprisingly quick answers to prayers arrived this week and prompted me to started keeping a list of answered prayers.

I prayed for some acting work for my youngest. A director called and offered her a part within hours.

I prayed for a few more good clients and within days I received an assignment by e-mail, and a phone call brought a delightful new client who registered for book coaching.

These are not the only answers my prayers have received. There have been many others over the years. Huge answers that changed my life, little answers that changed my day. There have been answers of “No” that made me cry, or wonder what this “lesson” was meant to teach me. There are several prayers that haven’t been answered – yet. Am I meant to be learning patience, or self-reliance? Or have I just not realized that the answer is “no”?

This season and these lessons make me think of the beautiful poem/prayer by English metaphysical poet and clergyman, George Herbert (1593 – 1633).


Thou that hast given so much to me,
Give one thing more, a grateful heart.
Not thankful when it pleaseth me,
As if thy blessings had spare days;
But such a heart, whose pulse may be thy praise.

Happy Thanksgiving! What are you thankful for?