My friend told me that some recent repair work in her block of flats required that the electricians turn off the power. 

She said that she quickly realised how many conveniences she took for granted. 

The lack of power made everyday tasks impossible: no light, no television, no washing machine, no refrigerator or freezer. She couldn’t cook food or boil a kettle of water or work on the computer or listen to music. Her family’s life was paralysed. 

When the electricity finally came back on, happiness reigned!

It seems that something similar happens in the way we regard God’s gifts; we take them for granted: air, water, sunlight, the changing of the seasons, birdsong, flowers, food, a roof over our heads, health, a good mood. 

How often we delight in all these and more—forgetting to thank God, who sends us these blessings. May an unending hymn of praise sound in our hearts to God—the giver of all good things!

Prayer: Dear God, your love for us is made clear in all your gifts to us, especially the gift of your Son. Thank you for your endless grace. Amen