Thank You Lord

       
       Lord, thank you for this sink of dirty dishes;
            we have plenty of food to eat.
        Thank you for this pile of dirty, stinky laundry;
            we have plenty of nice clothes to wear.
        And I would like to thank you, Lord, for those unmade beds;
            they were so warm and comfortable last night.
            I know that many have no bed.
        My thanks to you, Lord, for this bathroom,
            complete with all the splattered mirrors,
            soggy, grimy towels and dirty lavatory;
            they are so convenient.
        Thank you for this finger-smudged refrigerator
            that needs cleaning.
           It has served us faithfully for many years.
           It is full of cold drinks and enough leftovers
            for two or three meals.
        Thank you, Lord, for this oven that absolutely
             must be cleaned today;
            It has baked so many things over the years.
        The whole family is grateful for that tall grass
            that we all enjoy the yard.
           My kids are healthy and able to run and play.
        Lord, the presence of all these chores awaiting me says
            You have richly blessed my family.
            I shall do them cheerfully and I shall do them     gratefully.
        Even though I clutch my blanket and growl
            when the alarm rings,
           Thank you, Lord, that I can hear.
            There are many who are deaf.
        Even though I keep my eyes closed against the morning light
            as long as possible,
           Thank you, Lord, that I can see. Many are blind.
        Even though I huddle in my bed and put off rising,
           Thank you, Lord, that I have the strength to rise.
           There are many who are bedridden.
        Even though the first hour of my day is hectic,
           when socks are lost, toast is burned and tempers are short,
           my children are so loud,
           Thank you, Lord, for my family.
            There are many who are lonely.
        Even though our breakfast table never looks like
            the pictures in magazines 
           and the menu is at times not balanced,
           There are many who are hungry.
        Even though the routine of my job is often monotonous,
           Thank you, Lord, for the opportunity to work.
           There are many who have no job.
        Even though I grumble and bemoan my fate from day to day
           and wish my circumstances were not so modest,
           Thank you, Lord, for life.