Drinking from a saucer......

The "30 Days of Gratitude" has ended, but the attitude and the wonder hasn't. I was just recapping my month in another blog -- especially the last week having been so insane after such a wonderful weekend. And then it hit me, just how blessed I really am.

• I have a family. There are so many who've lost those who are near and dear to them, whether by death or by other circumstances which separate them. Yes, mine drives me absolutely insane, but they have made me who I am, and I wouldn't trade the me I am and that I'm becoming for anything!!!
• I have good friends. Some I've known for years, others for shorter times. Some live close to me, others across the country or around the world. But each of them is so dear to me and sadly, I don't tell them often enough.
• I have a job -- two, as it is! One is full-time work that I enjoy, even as stressful as it can be at times. The part-time work is truly a gift as well -- it gives me the opportunity to offer encouragement when people need it and to celebrate with them. To have even one in this economy is great, but two is almost more than I can ask for!

I have so much to be thankful and grateful for. There are times when I sit and think even briefly about it and I become almost overwhelmed by all I have and all I am and how it's just gift and blessing.

Years ago, Food for the Poor sent a little booklet out, and in it was this prayer from a gentleman who lives in the Caribbean. I think it's been made into a song, but the book was the first place I ever saw it. This says it all:

Drinking from a Saucer I have never made a fortune, and it’s probably too late now,
I don’t worry about that much, I’m happy anyhow.
As I go along life’s journey, reaping more than I have sowed,
I’m drinking from a saucer, ‘cause my cup has overflowed.

I don’t have lots of riches, and sometimes the going is tough.
I have a family that loves me, and that is quite enough.
I thank God for his blessings and his mercies he’s bestowed.
I’m drinking from a saucer, ‘cause my cup has overflowed.

I remember times when things went wrong, my faith got a little thin.
Then all at once the dark clouds broke, and the sun peeked through again.
Lord, please help me not to gripe about the tough rows I have hoed.
I’m drinking from a saucer, ‘cause my cup has overflowed.

If God gives me strength and courage when my way grows steep and tough,
I’ll not ask for other blessings. I’m already blessed enough.
May I never be too busy to help another bear his load.
I’ll keep drinking from a saucer, ‘cause my cup has overflowed.

~ George McPhee ~
“All You Really Need to Know About Prayer You Can Learn from the Poor”