A Thankful Heart

Take nothing for granted,
   for whenever you do
The "joy of enjoying"
   is lessened for you--
For we rob our own lives
   much more than we know
When we fail to respond
   or in any way show
Our thanks for the blessings
   that daily are ours . . .
The warmth of the sun,
   the fragrance of flowers,
The beauty of twilight,
   the freshness of dawn,
The coolness of dew
   on a green velvet lawn,
The kind little deeds
   so thoughtfully done,
The favors of friends
   and the love that someone
Unselfishly gives us
   in a myriad of ways,
Expecting no payment
   and no words of praise--
Oh, great is our loss
   when we no longer find
A thankful response
   to things of this kind,
For the joy of enjoying
   and the fulness of living
Are found in the heart
   that is filled with thanksgiving.

              ~ Helen Steiner Rice