VISIBLE BLESSINGS
From "Through the Night with God,"
Honor Books

Marilyn and Velma were two young mothers who lived across the street from each other. From their living room windows, each woman was able to observe the activities of the other woman's family. One day, Marilyn confessed that she'd been watching what went on in Velma's front garden and that she envied her.

"I don't know what you mean," Velma said with a puzzled look on her face.

"Well, I often see your husband out in the front mowing your lawn, and I wish my husband would do the same thing," Marilyn said. "Your garden is beautiful."

Velma laughed and then made her confession. "I've been doing the same thing," she said. "I watch your husband in your front garden --- and I've envied you!" Marilyn shook her head. "What on earth do you mean?"

" I see your husband playing ball with your toddler so much. How I wish Keith would do the same thing! He never wants our boys in the way when he mows. Be honest, Marilyn. Would you rather have your husband playing with your son than a well-manicured lawn?"

"I hadn't thought of that before, but you're right. I may have tall grass, but Eric is good about playing with Johnny," Marilyn said.

Sometimes we're blind to blessings that are so obvious to others. Tonight, we can take an inventory of our blessings and be thankful for those we have in our lives. Perhaps there's a blessing or two --- or even more --- you hadn't thought about until just now. Talk to God about that tonight, thanking Him for all your blessings, both seen and unseen, that He has given you.