Possibly my favorite Christmas present this year: The Valley of Vision: Puritan Prayers and Devotions. The prayer I read today seemed so appropriate. Since my legal adviser isn’t here to tell me about copyright law and blogs, I’ll just pull a few quotes (the full prayer, for those who have the book, is on page 224).
I thank thee for the temporal blessings of this world–
the refreshing air,
the light of the sun,
the food that renews strength,
the raiment that clothes,
the dwelling that shelters,
the sleep that gives rest,
the starry canopy of night,
the summer breeze,
the flowers’ sweetness,
the music of flowing streams,
the happy endearments of family, kindred, friends.
Things animate, things inanimate, minister to my comfort.
My cup runs over.
Suffer me not to be insensible to these daily mercies.
What a beautiful reminder to me, as I struggle to be thankful in all things, that my cup truly runs over with blessings. As soon as Tommy wakes up from his nap, we are going out to enjoy several of them this morning!