Silent gratitude isn’t very much use to anyone who has done a lot for you. 

G. B. Stern, Robert Louis Stevenson: The Man Who Wrote ‘Treasure Island,’ 1954

Two years ago, I starting looking for what I call “stray gifts” in a day. Stray gifts can be anything- a surprise note in the mail from a friend or family member, a beautiful day in which I just feel really good and alive, or quiet moments to rest, read, and relax. Every day, there is something new to discover that causes me to feel grateful and to say, “Thank you, Lord.” I hope these entries reach someone else who will engage more in life and who will choose to participate in God’s treasure hunt for all the good things He gives. Here is the most recent record of graces. (Photo collage below)

Gifts Written: Three cards for me in the mail in the last few weeks and a cross-stitched bookmark made by a friend with my favorite Bible verse.

Gifts in a Whistle: We used to buy electric kettles to heat water for hot chocolate, tea, or instant coffee. We’ve had to replace a few over the years because they just quit working. This time, I decided to buy an ‘old fashioned’ kettle with the whistle to heat water. It should last a long time! With the electric kettle shutting off automatically when ready, I would walk away from it and do other things. Usually, I forget about the water because I get busy. With this one, I need to be more mindful of what I do since the water is heated on the stove. I stay around the kitchen and do some tidying while waiting.

Gifts of Time: We spent one day last week with some friends we hadn’t seen in a long time. We enjoyed a good meal out together and a leisurely walk around the town square, poking around some of the shops there. I stopped to take a photo of the courthouse clock because I wanted to pay attention to the time – the time we are never guaranteed. Back at their house, we enjoyed coffee and talked for more hours, then stood outside to quietly watch the sun set. On the way home, the moon was bright and our hearts full and grateful for the day.

Gifts of Life: It has been very sobering to realize especially this year that life is fragile. With many lives lost to the virus, we are more aware of the gift of today. In the photo below, I am with our church ladies in Mexico. Two of these women have lost their husbands this year – one to COVID and the other to years of illness. Our lives are better for having known these women and their husbands who were part our church family for years.

Gifts of Encouragement: One of the best things I hear almost every day is John encouraging an elderly veteran who struggles with the online VA health websites, “That’s ok, sir. You know a thousand different things that the younger generation will never know.” (John works from home helping other veterans navigate the VA health website.)

Gifts Welcoming: I love a pretty wreath on the front door. I found this Boxwood Wreath for 50% off at Hobby Lobby and I had a 40% coupon for the ribbon!