This morning on our way to school my children and I were praying.  Our morning car prayers are some of the best times in my mothering career.  Listening to the kids share their hearts is just delightful. 

We pray in the same fashion that my parents taught my brother and me.  Gratitude, followed by petition then ending with praise, more gratitude.  My just turned four year old was very quiet this morning.  In fact we had made it all the way to “praise and gratitude” and he had yet to chime in a single thing. 

“Zack? Do you have anything you want to thank God for this morning?” I asked. “NOPE.” he stated.  His jealousy over his brother’s triumphant march to Kindergarten is almost too much to bear before 8:00 a.m.  “What about your friend Megan? We could thank God for creating Megan.” I volunteered. After a pause from the backseat, Zack said “Megan IS ALREADY CREATED.” 

This little boy hit upon the essence of the human condition.  We fail to praise God for His gifts because..well..they are already here.  We are so used to being blessed we don’t even notice it anymore. 

I slip too easily into the trap of blindness to God’s goodness,  His mercy and love. More than I care to admit, I overlook God’s people as well.  Failing to see them as the walking, talking proof of a God who loves us into existence.  Forgetting that I am the hands and feet, too.  Instead reaping the benefits of those who are using their appendages for the Kingdom.

So here, today, is a small step into the direction of giving thanks for others.  Showing gratitude, love and encouragement to those who give so very much of themselves for others. If you get a chance, please drop by and let them notice that you see what they are doing. 

Trey Morgan is a minister in Childress Texas that is walking with the poor.  Literally, see the pictures.  God is using this man to open our eyes and hearts.  Reminding us that when one of us suffers, we are all diminished. Thank you Trey.

Peter Pollock is one upbeat guy.  His posts spot light the work of others and he is a big picture kind of guy. Thanks Peter.

Patrick Mead takes the time to answer questions that we all wrestle with in some form.  His passion is contagious. Thank you Patrick.

Need inspiration? Encouragement? Go see Terry Rush! Thanks Terry.

Janice is always Gathering Rubies. Drop by and soak up some wisdom. Thank you Janice.

Laura  fills my longing for the farm with her recipes from Nonnie and bountiful Ag pictures. Thanks Laura.

Stuff Christians Like you make me laugh. Every time. Bravo!

If you blog, consider dedicating a post to people that need thanked and appreciated.  Thank you, dear reader, for dropping in!