It could have been worse…

The mercury hit 41°C today. The bus ride home from work took an hour and by the time I walked in the door I was hot and tired and cranky. But it could have been worse.

The bus was a few minutes late, but at least it arrived. It could have been worse.

There was air-conditioning, even if it did struggle a bit. It could have been worse.

The bus was full but at least nobody had to stand while we were travelling on the freeway. It could have been worse.

My handbag slid off my lap and landed on the floor, but at least nothing fell out. It could have been worse.

It could have been worse … but it wasn’t. I’m discovering that sometimes I just need to change my perspective to see grace in my day. Even if it is 41°C outside.

And for another perspective on gratitude, I’d like to finish with the classic Four Yorkshiremen sketch. It’s been done many times over the years, but here’s the original pre-Monty Python version (my favourite). Enjoy!

What am I grateful for?

Thank you Lord

For the cool spring evening air
And the velvet scented rose petals
For the colour of a momentary rainbow
And beauty that cuts me to the heart and overflows onto my cheeks

Thank you Lord

For chocolate sweet and silky melting on my tongue
And the light in a loved one’s eyes when they see me
For stories that touch me, teach me and change me
And the possibility of dreams fulfilled

Thank you Lord

For the sound of melody and harmony
And the gift of silence and stillness
For people who give the gift of themselves
And for shared laughter and tears

Thank you Lord

For the warmth of a hug that needs no explanation
And a smile that brings sunshine
For the joy of your presence
And the understanding that I am your beloved

Thank you Lord

For every thing
Small and large
That waits for me to notice

Thank you Lord

Who Paints the Sky?

I wanted chocolate tonight. I didn’t need it.

Definitely wanted it. Definitely didn’t need it.

So instead of driving to the supermarket after dinner I went for a walk. I soon succumbed to the beauty of the evening and my surroundings, and the chocolate craving disappeared. Mission accomplished.

But my walk was more than a diversion; it became a gift.

I’m often fascinated by the sky, with all its glorious colours, and patterns in the clouds. It may be completely different from one day to the next. And when I see a sunrise or a sunset it seems to me that the Lord is painting me a glorious canvas, telling me how much he loves me. And it’s a gift that expands my heart and fills me with peace, joy and thankfulness to the lover of my soul.

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
Psalm 19:1

Here are some more of my photos of this evening’s painted sky. I hope you enjoy them.

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