Someone is praying for the things you take for granted.

Last night I stumbled upon an anonymous post illustrating how rich Americans really are, even if they are struggling to pay their bills and living from paycheck to paycheck. To make her point, the author spoke of the luxury of having more fresh water at the turn of a faucet than we could ever drink or use. It made me stop and consider how short-sighted we really are and how quick we are to think we need and deserve more in life.

I'm not suggesting that we give up our dreams, but maybe we need to take the time to step back and really appreciate what we already have. If gratitude is the key to happiness and finding abundance in out lives, perhaps we need to consider what real gratitude is. It's so easy to say we are grateful for the many blessings in our lives, but maybe that's not enough. 

If you are in the habit of expressing gratitude with all the right words but aren't really feeling it, then take some time to consider what you really have to be grateful for. Forget what others have said. Forget what you think you should be grateful for, and go inside to take a look at the real blessings in your life.

Consider what things you would be praying for if they were suddenly gone from your life.

Today, I am grateful for the spring rains, the blustery winds and the trees that stand strong through all sorts of weather. I am grateful for birds and insects that populate the world, for leaves that flutter in the wind and for clean, fresh water to drink. 

I am grateful for food to eat, for my stove to cook it on and for the skills to prepare a healthy meal. I am grateful for my bed that brings me rest, for soft blankets to comfort me and for shoes that keep my feet warm and dry. I am grateful for clothes to wear, for the luxury of hot coffee in the morning and for my library of books I have collected over the years. 

I am grateful for a clear, sound mind and loving heart. I am grateful for laughter that adds light to my day, for green grass as it begins to emerge and for frogs that will soon begin their joyous song of spring. 

And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop and share my day. May you find gratitude today and give thanks for the real blessings in your life as you go forward toward your dreams.