A Glimpse of Starlight

I got online this morning to be greeted by this wonderful list by a dear friend and fellow blogger, Lalaithiel, and I thought it was the perfect way to celebrate this holiday. I tend to become blind to the blessings I can see, smell, taste, hear, and touch, forgetting that they are love letters from God to me. Counting these blessings reminds me of the truth of Emmanuel—God is with us, right here, manifesting His love and glory through the very air I am breathing and wood tabletop I am touching.

So, without further ado, here is what I am thankful for:

// SMELL //

• the air after a rain shower
• apple pie baking in the oven
• my dad’s coffee
• little sisters’ hair after a bath
• old books
• ink
• autumn leaves
• pine needles

// SIGHT //

• leaves dancing in the wind
• strangers smiling at each other
• little girl faces full of anticipation, viewing each moment like a wonderful adventure
• books lined on shelves
• sunsets above lacy silhouettes of trees
• waves rolling in again, again, again
• prairie grass bending and unfurling in the breeze
• letters darting across the screen like some kind of magic

// SOUND //

• a congregation of voices all praising the same King
• birdsong as a wake-up call in spring
• little girls singing
• the unique laughter fingerprint each loved one has
• keys on a computer clattering
• pencil scratching on paper
• wind
• rain on the roof as I fall asleep
• waves and waterfalls and water

// TASTE //

• lemon cake & lemonade
• chocolate of any form
• homemade bread
• tears that heal
• smoke-laced air reminiscent of bonfires and laughter and love
• apples in October
• hay
• salt water

// TOUCH //

• hair flying around bare arms in the summer when swinging
• sand under the feet
• little sisters’ soft skin
• velvet-soft flower petals
• worn pages of old books or crisp pages of new ones
• pencil in its familiar place in the hand
• hugs
• wind in all forms, still or stormy

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

~ 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Sometimes we wonder what God’s will for us is. Sometimes we agonize over where He is leading us. But, as I believe Alistair Beg said, in the Bible “the plain things are the main things, and the main things are the plain things.” This much about God’s will is plain: He wants us to give thanks. In all circumstances.

So, dear readers, have a wonderful Thanksgiving, and don’t forget all the mundane miracles.

What are you thankful for?