Expressing Gratitude

There are reminders all around me of our daughter Shanda, who passed away in November…pictures, home decor, certain songs, even articles of clothing, like Al’s U of M jacket (a recent gift from her), and a warm robe and fuzzy socks she gave to me one Christmas. 

Several years ago on a special occasion, she handed me a gift bag and said “I thought you and dad would like this.”

She was right! Inside the bag was a blue ceramic plate, decorated with the painting of a robin and the saying: “Lift up your heart and give it a voice, so that all of Heaven has cause to rejoice.” (author unknown)

 Each winter, the “Robin” plate is hung on our kitchen wall. Not only is it a reminder of Shanda’s thoughtfulness and her passion for music, but it’s also a reminder to express my gratitude to God for His goodness to me.

Although they are plentiful in the spring and summer, we seldom see robins in our neighborhood during the cold of winter. But one gloomy morning recently, I happened to notice a bird sitting on a barren branch of a tree in the cemetery. It was a robin, looking for dried seeds or anything else to eat.

The bird’s red feathered chest stood out in bright contrast to the dismal surroundings. Al came to look and commented that it was very strange to see a robin at that time of year, when worms were hidden deep underground.

Not only did the little bird come to visit that day, she returned for the next two days around the same time, always pecking at whatever was edible on that tree. Then she departed as suddenly as she had appeared.

 I searched for the blue Robin plate which had been taken down after Christmas and stored away. Instead of singing, I had been complaining. Instead of focusing on God’s goodness, I had been feeling sorry for myself. No voice of singing to the Lord or words of praise to make the heavenly hosts rejoice.

That same week, Al and I attended a presentation at our senior center featuring Reg Pettibone, a Native American Powwow dancer and story teller. He, his wife and two daughters arrived in the gym in their native dress. They were stunning, and their dancing was captivating.

 Before the performance began, Reg spoke about his background, growing up in Wisconsin as part of the Ho-Chunk Nation. He had a humble beginning, living in a cabin with no running water or electricity.

“But it was a wonderful life,” he said, with a bright smile on his face.

Reg grew up learning the stories of his ancestors, stories that shaped him and that still influence his life.  Pointing to the eagle feathers in his headdress, he explained that he belonged to the “Sky” clan, with a special connection to birds and all creatures that fly.

When he and his family danced, it was to honor and bring pleasure to their Creator. That desire was evident in their faces, their intense focus and their energy as they performed several traditional dances. The message of expressing gratitude and of being thankful came through again, this time through the songs and dances of four members of the Sky clan!

One Sunday afternoon a few weeks later, Al and I happened to stop by a local grocery store at the same time as vendors were there promoting their products—a nice surprise! I always enjoyed talking with the vendors and sampling their wares.

Three people fashionably dressed were standing at a table giving away samples of “Mr. T’s Soul Sauce.” As I dipped a veggie straw into a bit of the sauce, I asked, “Do you have a song?”

“Sure!” they replied and belted out a jingle with three-part harmony. Not what you’d expect to hear in the aisle of a grocery store for sure. And the sauce was good too!

Al was already at the self-checkout counter when I stopped at another table. This time an attractive young woman, Candace Cox-Wimberley, was promoting her book, “I Am Grateful— a 90-day Gratitude Journal.”

In the journal, Candace expressed the desire to show gratitude to God always, as well as  help others do the same.  How could I pass that up?

Singing, praising, rejoicing…good for the soul and pleasing to God! Remember!

“I will sing to the Lord for he has been good to me.” Psalm 13:6 NIV

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”  Philippians 4:4 NIV