Thank you, Lord!

Thank you for making a world that is beautiful and intricate. Thank you for every sunrise and sunset, for every rain that washes away the dirt and grime. Thank you for showing us Your power in the thunder and lightning of a storm, and Your gentles in the actions of dove. I love you, Lord, because you are so creative and beautiful.

Thank you for creating a world that reveals Your character. Thank you for being a relational God; for being so in love with-in Yourself that You felt the need to share that love with your creation. Thank you for showing us relationship in all the world. I am amazed at how all the elements of life are bound to each other, how no tree or animal, or even blade of grass exist outside of a continual relationship to everything that lives around it. Thank you, Lord, for creating this co-dependence. I love You because You made us so we need You.

Thank you for being my daddy. Help me at the times I don't look to you first. Forgive me for the times I am timid and afraid, and look to my own hand to save me. Thank you for bearing with my weakness and inability. Thank you for showing me a love that is beyond my actions and abilities, and flows only from who You are. I love You because You loved me first.

Thank you for all that you've given me. My family who love me even if I am silly and not always kind; a family that has lead me into knowing what it means to walk in Your paths and follow your commands. Thank you for wise parents who can help me negotiate all the twisted and tangled paths that I am trying to follow. They are so great; and I just thank you for them. I love you because You created us to live in relationship.

Thank you also for the many friends You've given me. Thank you for all the people who have been there for me along the way, and all the people who have shown me more of who You are.
I love You because You made sure we could not live on our own.

Thank you for providing for my physical needs, and even some wants. Thank you for food and clothes and a roof over my head. Thank you even for the extras, like a gym and cups of coffee on a cool fall night. Forgive me when I don't think of other peoples' needs and treat them as You have treated me. I love You because You are the great provider.

I thank You for all that You are. Lord, forgive me when I don't think You are enough. Forgive me for not being grateful for all you have given me, but always wanting more. Teach me contentment, that I may know to be grateful for all You have done for me.