Thankfulness

Thank you, God, for stars that glow

beyond the end of time, the sea,

the untamed flowers in the wood,

the gentle souls who walk with me,

and children who are born and grow

and learn to handle life’s demands.

 

Thank you, God, for end of pain,

for final ceasing of rain

that brought dire floods,

November’s chill and drying leaf,

the gradual release of grief,

the understanding of a friend.

 

Thank you, God, for sun’s great gift

that, being, caused life to exist,

seasons’ cycles, morning mist,

and memories of times far past,

whose precious hours could not last,

but gave reason to be living.

 

and human gratitude expressed

each autumn in Thanksgiving. 

 

Ms. Margaret Stavely Paine, chosen and read by Bonnie L.

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Thank you God for the peacefulness of the beach.

Thank you God for the sound of the wave and the children playing. 

Thank you God for the nature all around us,

The flight of the pelican,

The beauty of the blue bird,

Thank you God for WiW.

Poem by Jim C.

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I chose to walk into the woods, just off from the asphalt drive.  A whole different world exists just in view of the well-traveled and familiar.  Wonder takes many faces.

Photo and reflection by Amy W.

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The path beckons us to wander in wonder – opening to the miracles of nature. 

Photos and reflection by Bonnie L.

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Feeling so grateful at this time of year for the gentle souls who walk with me and the understanding of a friend. May I always be ready to offer to others and to receive whatever is necessary to handle life’s demands.

Photos and reflection by Denise P.

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Thankfulnesss, gratitude … I began my walk thinking about the many, many things I am grateful for. As I entered this threshold toward the beach and walked down the sandy path, I wondered what thresholds might present themselves to me this fall and into next year. Will I cross them with joy? With trepidation? With discomfort? With hope? With courage? 

As I approached  the beach, the smell of the salt water perfumed the air with a sweet, clean scent. How often do I rely heavily on my sense of sight while not being open to the wonder of smell, touch, and hearing?  I slowly and deeply breathed in the crisp air … 

As I walked down the concrete path in the woods toward the marsh pond, the smells again shouted out … oh the fragrant smell of the woods and the damp, musty smell of the marsh made me smile and again reminded me to be open and appreciate the wonder with all my senses and heart – whether it be familiar or new. 

Photo and reflection by Nancy L.