Colossians 4:2 says “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” We are not just told to pray for people but to keep our eyes open, being watchful. But the next word makes me think the apostle Paul wants us to watch out for reasons to be thankful as we pray. Those small blessings we might otherwise miss. Today I am thankful for the thousand little blessings in my life.

– For my dad being alive.
– For having a ministry close enough to drive and see my dad for two days.
– For a Church that understands my situation and allows me to travel and miss work.
– For a group of people who asked me about my dad on Sunday and really cared.
– For hundreds of people praying from all over the country for my family and especially my dad.
– For safe travels.
– For a great mother who stands quietly in the back giving support through everything.
– For a caring wife who went with me without question.
– For having boys who love their grandfather.
– For watching my mom and dad kiss like teenagers when she came in the room on Monday.
– For dad saying “Wonderful” when mom and I walked in the room on Tuesday.
– For finding joy in my dad knowing everyone’s name.
– For listening to my dad laugh, even with a feeding tube.
– For having people who blessed me through a financial gift that allowed me to care for my mother’s needs (even a little).
– For quiet moments holding my dad’s hand.
– For seeing my dad’s health improve over the last couple days.
– For the pain of leaving because of deep care.
– For the hope of eternity found in Jesus Resurrection.
– For my dad being a Christian. For all of my family for that matter.

I am sure I could fill pages and pages of little blessings I have experienced over the last few days. People have prayed and God has poured out his blessings. Today I want to stop and thank your for praying. I especially want to thank God for all he has done.

One final thought. What prayers has God answered for you? What blessings has he poured out in your life? I think you will see them if you take the time to look.