Every day be thankful for what you have and who you are.

Posted Wednesday, August 29, 2007

As I awoke this morning I thought “Oh God, is it 5 AM already!” I pulled myself from my bed and headed for the kitchen to make lunch for my husband of almost 40 years. Larry prepared for another long day at work. I gave him his lunch and a kiss as he headed out the door and I headed for my computer. There would be updates to do. It is almost the end of the month and Labor Day Weekend is just days away. I began thinking how fast the summer had gone by. How many rodeos, bull ridings, team roping events, barrel races, country concerts and benefits had crossed my desk? Events we had talked about in the winter and spring were now history. So much has happened since the beginning of the year and even with the unfolding of the summer. The PBR has changed hands; there is a new CEO of the CBR; Troy Ellerman has shaken the very foundation of the PRCA and with new leadership they are stronger than ever; Lee Akin proved to us all that miracles do happen; we said goodbye to rodeo legend Jim Shoulders and one of the greatest rodeo fans ever Dakota Lonidier; SHARK tried to torpedo the National High School Rodeo Association and their finals and failed; Homer Joy has not only recovered from his heart transplant but released a new album that critics say is one of the best country album in years; the country celebrated the Third Annual National Day of the Cowboy, a victory for cowboys and cowgirls everywhere; Express Ranch bought Cowboy Sports Agency, big news for most of us; and that is just the tip of the iceberg as they say. Yes it has been a year of changes and in other ways a year of stability. We started the summer with Memorial Day and honored the soldiers who have died protecting our freedom even as our military fights the new war against terrorist around the world and in Iraq.

As all of this was going through my mind a member sent me an e mail with this special prayer. As I read it I knew that this would be my Labor Day prayer. How lucky I am I have a job I love, my husband will be home tonight and we will sit down to a nice supper. Most of all as James Phillips tells me everyday, “It’s a great day! I woke up this morning and knew the person I saw in the mirror!”

Every day be thankful for what you have and who you are.

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, tempers are short, and my children are so loud.

Thank you, Lord, for my family. There are many who are lonely.

Even though our brea kfast table never looks like the picture in magazines and the menu is at times unbalanced.

Thank you, Lord, for the food we have. There are many who are hungry.

Even though the routine of my job often is 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.

If you like this prayer, please pass it on!