By Brenda Cannon Henley
I wrote to a friend from high school the other day and said, “At our age, we learn to take our little delights and unexpected gifts of life whenever they come and however we can absorb them.” Marie wrote back and said, “You are very right. And I am only glad that I have learned to be content in whatever state I am in and with whatever good I have in my life.”

Both of us have lost husbands and Marie has also lost a son, so we know whereof we speak. Neither of us is bitter, we live active lives, and both of us love beauty. She is quite an artist and owned and operated a very successful framing business in the beautiful little town of Stone Mountain, GA. She particularly likes my sunset over the bay photos, which I am fortunate enough to get to take often. She comments on many of them and wrote to say that she thought she was addicted to these colorful shots.

As I took the serene photo I am attaching today, I thought once again how grateful I am to be on water that I love, to have eyesight to see God’s natural beauty, and to have a heart that truly appreciates the good gifts we enjoy each day. I just saw a documentary on television featuring the lives of two women in New York City, both of whom are nearly completely blind, and how they learned to cope. There is a group that connects to the blind residents by way of phones to help give direction and instruction. In the segment that was featured, the instructors by phone gave step by step guidance on cooking the evening meal. It was amazing.

We are taught in Scripture that every good and perfect gift comes down from the Father. (James 1:17) As I was thinking about this matchless array of good and perfect gifts, I thought about another favorite verse of mine. I have quoted this verse for years and claimed it for my life. “One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after, that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire (seek His will) in His temple.” (Psalm 27:4)

I was wondering, “How many good and perfect gifts does God give His children that they never take time to see, understand how they are good for them, or in some cases, claim the benefit for themselves and their family members?” I want to be consciously aware of every gift God sends to me. I want to know about it and have the good sense to enjoy it while I can. I know life passes quickly and I am grateful for every day. If I could offer one bit of sage advice to younger folks, it would be, “Slow down. Take the time necessary to see what is around you. Investigate life. Spend time with your children and the elders in your family. Learn from each other and be kinder and more gentle to those around you.”

Since I was in a reflecting mood, I began to list some good gifts I am aware of today in my own life. May I challenge you to do the same? In fact, it would not be a bad idea to start each day with “a thankful list.” It might just change our attitudes and turn them into gratitudes.

I am thankful for the gorgeous sunset over the bay tonight. It did not cost me one dime to walk out on the deck and see the beauty. It literally almost took my breath away. I am grateful for fresh vegetables from neighbors’ gardens – southern fried okra, fresh tomatoes, little green onions, herbs and spices, all of which make our meals so tasty. I am also glad I learned to cook at an early age and that I still enjoy it to this day. I am grateful for a good auto to drive. It wasn’t always that way. I appreciate my many clothes and shoes, and Lord knows, my replaced books are old friends to me. I am very blessed to have many people that love me and some call, write, and text to assure me of that fact. I have clean water to drink. My heart is filled with busy plans and I am excited about a coming road trip to see family and friends. And when this earthly life comes to an end, I have Heaven to look forward to for all eternity. What could be better than that?

I would so much enjoy reading your list of the good gifts you are grateful to God for each day.

(This article published 7/6/2015)

Brenda Cannon Henley can be reached at (409) 781-8788, at
[email protected], or by using the contact form below.

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