Thankful

for the small things: light on water, shaded forest, laughter ringing

clear my mind to see your beauty

make me thankful, Lord

for the moments gone forever, conversations, love so fleeting,

give me power to remember,

make me thankful, Lord

all the gifts declare your kindness, 

joyful Father, loving Friend,

make me long for you, my portion

sweeter, higher, without end

 

for the shocking incarnation, setting glory to the side,

Jesus, King come as a baby

make me thankful, Lord

for the shocking death you suffered, love propelling Love to die,

Jesus, King killed as a pauper

make me thankful, Lord

all the gifts declare your goodness, 

humble Savior, loving Friend,

make me long for you, Redeemer,

sweeter, higher, without end

 

for the breath of God upon me, blowing through me, to renew me

in my weakness, grace unstinting,

make me thankful, Lord

for the suffering, give me vision of your purpose, of your wisdom

tease out meaning, comfort me

make me thankful, Lord

all the gifts declare your mercy, 

tender Spirit, loving Friend

make me taste your kind compassion,

sweeter, higher, without end

 

for the final destination, journey ending, sailing home

rest and healing, joy and beauty,

make us hopeful, Lord

for the moment we will see you, hear you calling, “welcome home!”

feel your arms in love surround us,

make us hopeful, Lord

all the gifts declare your brightness, 

glimpses in the dreams you send,

make us thankful for a future

sweeter, higher, without end