Hymn of Gratitude

I first posted this poem over a year ago but I needed to revisit it and I thought I would share it again.  While many things have changed in the last year my need to stay in gratitude has not.  Hope you all are blessed by it. 

When I express my gratitude
to God, I find my attitude
transforms from gloomy doom
to sunny smiles.

In giving thanks, my focus changes
as gratitude . . . it rearranges
the way I think and feel and speak
and live my life.

Counting all the ways He blesses
deepens joy, and my heart presses
in to know Him and enjoy Him
as He is.

"All is grace", the writer pens
Each day, each hour, each breath He sends
His gifts of grace and bids me
open more to Him.

The Ancient Words declare the way
into His presence everyday
is opened up by giving thanks
and so I say . . .

For sun and moon and stars that twinkle
eyes that see and lines that wrinkle
aging faces, waterfalls and baby's breath,
I thank You, Lord.

For bone on bone in knee unbending
ears to hear the never-ending 
speech, heaven's telling of Your glory,
Father, thank You.

For hope that flutters in my chest
and tiny eggs in robin's nest
just waiting to burst forth 
and sing your praises.

For full salvation, "it is finished"
healing virtue, undiminished
by years long past and 
morning mercies, ever new.

For children home, and far away, 
I give you thanks, my God, today
my heart is full and overflows 
with gratitude.

Thank You, thank You, Holy Father
Holy Spirit, Jesus, Author
of salvation and the Finisher
of my faith.

Amen.

©Andrea D. Olsen - 9 July 2011

Inspired by the book "One Thousand Gifts" by Ann Voskamp.
Visit her website here  -  A Holy Experience

Source:  Image capture at http://www.aholyexperience.com/ 

Video trailer for Ann's book.

(The little bundle of pink joy at the beginning of the video is my granddaughter.)