Give Thanks

I had a wonderful enrichment meeting a few months ago where I had the opportunity of making a beautiful tile.  I thought it was a perfect theme for my life at my current phase.  The tile said:  "Give Thanks."

I had it displayed on our computer desk where every time I saw it I said a silent prayer for something or everything I was grateful for.

And then the tragedy.  It started out as a good idea.  I bought Patrick three packages of Mentos and wrote an accompanying little note of love.  He found the gift next to his dinner plate.  After eating a couple and sharing some with Easton, he put them up on top of the desk to save for after dinner.

As we were cleaning up the dishes, we heard a crash...coming from the dining room.  Patrick was the first one on the scene, and I could tell it wasn't good.  I rushed in to find Easton standing on a chair trying to reach the mentos.  He appeared to be all right.  What a relief!  "What fell?"  I asked.  "Your tile," was the somber reply.  There on the ground was my beautiful tile, my ever inspiring reminder to be grateful.  I nearly cried.  Upon further inspection, we found the tile had hit a key on our computer and broken that on the way down as well.

But how could I be mad?  The message urged me to be grateful despite the sad outcome.  Easton was all right.  Only one key had been broken on our computer.  And this special tile has done it's job well over the last few months.  My attitude has been one of pure thankfulness for all the Lord has given me.  I will keep this picture forever as a reminder, as a symbol, as a token of gratitude.