And the days can be long… And always be thankful.

And the first week of school can bring tears and joy… And always be thankful.

And schedules are packed with good conversations, hard realities and lists to be checked… And always be thankful.

And nights are short with babies and teenagers and homework and chores and favorite reads and worries about tomorrow… And always be thankful.

And kids try to squeeze out the last drops of summer, bed is hard when it’s still light outside and doesn’t feel like fall… And always be thankful.

And loved ones get sick, heads get shaved, toddlers beg for attention… And always be thankful.

And weddings come, dresses and songs, cake and flowers and tear-filled hearts… And always give thanks.

And kids live far away and no matter the age of the skin, momma’s hearts yearn for their chicks to be close, with their bitty chicks in tow… And always be thankful.

And loves travel through air for days at a time and beds are empty and lips long for lips… And always be thankful.

And people gather for one purpose, other peoples kids and they rally together for something bigger than themselves and our hearts are full because they lock arms for one More life to know Jesus and 1000’s of generations of promise… And always be thankful.

And mornings to ponder and linger and swallow coffee that’s sweet and birds that sing and scents that tickle… And always be thankful.

Thankful… Colossians 3:15