To praise isn’t a sacrifice at all. It should and does roll off the tongue quite easily. It flows from my fingertips if I will just stop and take the time.

But biblically speaking, to OFFER praise is my sacrifice, as the fatted calf or choice lamb was in Old Testament times.

I need to remember that, as our KC pastor focuses on generous giving this month. Part of my internal tithe to God is to offer my sacrifice of praise.

I am grateful for twinkling stars in the pre-dawn.

I am grateful for a leaf that provides skitter sounds across the street in the morning breeze.

I am grateful to hear my feet walking once again.

I am grateful for an absence of political yard signs and flags.

I am grateful for the smell of a neighbor’s dryer sheets making clothes smell great again.

I am grateful to be the only human being on the street in the early morning.

I am grateful for a return to brisk evenings under a cloudless sky.

I am grateful for Sam’s new firepit that he built this week out of the end of a propane tank and some free landscape wall stones he gathered around town.

I am grateful for simple joys.

I am grateful for clean windows, inside and out.

And I am grateful for a quiet weekend to prepare and enjoy.

Just a few short years ago, I had lots of different experiences that prompted me to write: volunteering at the assisted living facility, being out and about in Kansas City, playing at church for choirs, taking lots of walks…

My 2020 life mostly consists of three computer screens and two cats. Every day is pretty much the same. It has been hard to be creative with something new to thank God for each day. I AM grateful for clean underwear and a new laser pointer for the cats’ entertainment, but that is about as exciting as it gets around here these days.

In my two devotionals a couple weeks ago (yes, this has been sitting in drafts that long), both focused on making ourselves available to be used by God to serve others. The David Jeremiah devotional referenced partnerships and how sharing our problems with another is beneficial and so much can be done in partnership, working together, referencing Ecclesiastes 4.

I am grateful for window blinds that shield my eyes from the bright morning sun shining in the window.

I am grateful for Dana neighbor who checks on us constantly.

I am grateful for a messy bedroom that reminds me I could be productive and get something accomplished after a work day.

I am grateful that Sam is doing so well even though he feels like he isn’t.

I am grateful for what seems like all four seasons happening in the months of October and November in Kansas.

I am grateful for clean counters and empty laundry baskets.

I am grateful for a return to walking, one mile at a time, something I haven’t done all fall.

I am grateful that Sam talks to me, listens to me, prays with me, and helps me feel like I am not completely isolated and alone.

I am grateful for his friendship with Brad.

I am grateful to have seen my Texas daughter and grandchildren this last weekend, even if it was just for a couple of hours. It was worth the drive time.

As pictures scroll past this Echo Show device that sits on my desk while I work, I am grateful that someone took the time to take the pictures so that I do not forget good memories.

I am grateful for the smell of dinner at the end of a long day.

I am grateful for a new mattress topper that makes our bed more comfortable.

And I am grateful God has put a renewed desire within to make a difference by serving Him.