From my archives with a new photo — Today was beauteous! The epitome of a sultry Southern summer day, hot and humid, deep blue sky, occasional clouds, enough clouds for the sun to paint a raspberry and turquoise sunset. I ate a Mrs. B biscuit in the swing and the cardinals joined me on the bird feeders for breakfast.

I wrote this prayer in thanksgiving for all the beauty I’ve seen in my life, the sky, and nature this week. I know I’m blessed to be enjoying this slow sunset season of my life. The Lord has graciously given me so many gifts. I’m grateful for all his blessings.

Here’s my prayer —

Dear God and Father Sky and Mother Nature,

Thank you for painting the sky azure blue and thank you for the luminous clouds that come alive on its canvas.

Thank you for the watercolors that so exquisitely color the sunsets at the twilight of day and the sunrises in the early morning’s awakening.

Thank you for the warm sun that coaxes my zinnias to bloom and warms my tomatoes on their vines.

Thank you for the silver raindrops that fall from the heavens and thank you for the promised rainbows that follow life’s storms.

Thank you for the colorful songbirds that put joy in my heart, that soothe my soul, and remind me of the man I love deeply.

Thank you for the hummingbirds little engines, the loud songs of the cicadas, and the soft and harsh winds that rattle the wind chime pipes in their tintinnabulations.

Thank you for my faithful and loving family and our beautiful children and grandchildren. Thank you for my dearest friends.

Thank you for my faithful little dog and the love and comfort and she gives me.

Thank you for my sense of humor and my love of laughter.

Thank you for beauty and truth and hope and inspiration.

Thank you for giving me the gift of being able to express myself and the courage to bare my heart as I share my thoughts.

Thank you, Lord, for my strong faith in your being and the comfort I receive from answered prayers.

Thank you for keeping the world turning on its axis from my porch swing, sliver of heaven. — Amen.

“If the only prayer you said was thank you, that would be enough.” ― Meister Eckhart