Remembering to say thank you to the Lord

Psalm 16, 17 • Psalm 22
Ecclus. 1:1-10,18-27 • Acts 28:1-16 • Luke 9:28-36

I do not know about you, but I have usually, frequently forgotten to say thank you as I pray.  

I tend to ask for help for me or others whom I know. Or I complain about things in my life. Seldom did I start my day by taking inventory and sending a heartfelt thank you to the Lord for all of my blessings and for the grace and forgiveness He gives.  

The Psalms 16 and 17 for today are poems or songs of praise. They are classic reminders that our first consideration should a recognition of the good things in our lives.  

Psalm 16 in lines 8 and 9 jump started my reflection: “I have set the Lord always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore, my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope.”

Psalm 17 in lines 6 and 7 reinforced to me the benefit of assessing the outcomes of my prayers. Then, to share my thankfulness: “I have called upon thee, for thou wilt hear me, O God: incline thine ear unto me, and hear my speech. Shew thy marvelous lovingkindness, O thou that saves by thy right hand them which put their trust in thee from those that rise up against them.”

Each and every time I get the assignment to research a Reflection, another rich layer of understanding and recognition is added to my thinking of my faith. There is also a blinding flash - look at the blessings in your life.

My new wake up exercise each morning is to list in my mind the top five blessings in my life that I see that day. It starts my day with an incredible boost. Daily reflection is a practice that I highly recommend.

I just wish that more people could appreciate the huge smile hidden behind my N92 mask.

Written by Walt Eilers

Walt Eilers is growing in his appreciation in the blessings in his life of 76 years, 9 months and 118 days.