All Good Gifts

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights.”      James 1:17

“A person cannot receive even one thing unless it is given him from heaven.” John 3:27

The gifts of creamy pink camellias, vermillion poinciana canopy branches in full bloom, variegated greens of grass and ground cover, a bee sucking nectar from a purple flower, earth tones of stone, sand and dirt, regal aspen trees, water lilies, electric brights of tropical fish, a giraffe’s patterned long neck and a cheetah’s spots; the gifts of savoring combined flavors and textures of nuts and blueberries and feta cheese on a crunchy salad, and smooth dark chocolate on the tongue; the gifts of rhythmic ocean waves, a cardinal’s chirp, a cicada and tree frog symphony, a child’s familiar cry, a Bach concerto, a parent’s “I love you,” a lullaby; for all these, I thank Thee.

The gifts of sensing which way the wind is blowing, of soul-peace, or ominous danger; of a heart that aches in grief, swells with love, yearns for holiness, leaps at the sight of dolphins; of anticipating a reunion with old friends, deep all-face-and-twinkly-eyed smiles, uncontrollable laughter, hugs that communicate forever-love, sorrow upon parting, and missing another during absence; of smooth wood, Dusty Miller leaves, the firm ground, feet in powdered-sugar sand, a held hand, a tender kiss; for all these, I thank Thee.

“When all Thy mercies, O my God,                                                                                                  My rising soul surveys,                                                                                                          Transported with the view, I’m lost                                                                                                     In wonder, love, and praise.”                                                                                                                —Joseph Addison (1672-1719)

Keep me ever thankful, Giver of all that is good.

Author: astherainandsnow

I love God's word and the God of the word. Isaiah 55:10-11 describes my vision for the blog: as the Lord has displayed so beautifully in nature the work of His living word in man, I desire the words I write to show forth His glory in creation (my photographs and art of words) and His word so the truth of scripture takes deep root, grows, and bears much fruit- of spirit and praise to Him. To my Lord be all the glory for what He accomplishes through His word! ~P. Bunn View all posts by astherainandsnow