Thanksgiving Prayer

I give thanks
for this sink of dirty dishes;
we have plenty of food to eat.

I give thanks for this pile of dirty, stinky laundry;
we have plenty of nice clothes to wear.

I would like to give thanks
for those unmade beds;
they were so warm and comfortable last night.
I know that many have no bed.

I give thanks,
for this bathroom,
complete with all the splattered mirrors,
soggy, grimy towels and dirty lavatory;
they are so convenient.

I give thanks
for this finger-smudged refrigerator that needs cleaning.
It has served us faithfully for many years.
It is full of cold drinks and enough leftovers for two or three meals.

I give thanks,
for this oven that absolutely must be cleaned today;
It has baked so many things over the years.

The whole family is grateful
for all of the outdoors we are able to enjoy.
Children are healthy and able to run and play.

The presence of all these chores awaiting me
says "My family has been richly blessed."
I shall do them cheerfully and I shall do them gratefully.

Even though I clutch my blanket and growl when the alarm rings,
I give thanks, that I can hear.
There are many who are deaf.

Even though I keep my eyes closed against the morning light as long as possible,
I give thanks that I can see.
Many are blind.

Even though I huddle in my bed and put off rising,
I am grateful that I have the strength to rise.
There are many who are bedridden.

Even though the first hour of my day is hectic,
when socks are lost, toast is burned and tempers are short, my children are so loud,
I give thanks for my family.
There are many who are lonely.

Even though our breakfast table never looks like the pictures in magazines
and the menu is at times not balanced,
I give thanks for the table and the food on it and the people around it.
There are many who are hungry.

Even though the routine of my job is often monotonous,
I am grateful for the opportunity to work.
There are many who have no job.

Even though I grumble and bemoan my fate from day to day
and wish my circumstances were not so modest,
I give thanks for life.

Written by "anonymous". Modified from original post on another blog.