The sweet taste of orange juice, freshly squeezed,
milkweed seeds blown from their pods by the breeze,
a sandcastle soon to be swept away,
I thank God for these and for this new day.

Using all seven letters in Scrabble,
paths I have walked and have yet to travel,
skipping a stone from the bank of a stream,
hopes that are born with my every dream.

Silence the moment a child falls asleep,
each memory I've lived this long to keep,
the flounce on a little girl's party dress,
in so many ways my life has been blessed.

Strawberry pie when fruit is in season,
taking a drive without any reason,
luxuriant bubble baths when I've grown tired,
sweet acts of kindness when none are required.

My daughter's laughter on Christmas morning,
springtime when all of life is aborning,
the pulse of the back beat in rock 'n roll -
God fills all the world with things to extol.

A bulls-eye in darts, the feel of cashmere,
anticipation when summer draws near,
the tinkle of wind chimes, a Ferris wheel -
mere words can't express the thanks I feel.

Dusk sightings of deer on drives through the park,
the wonder of fireflies lighting the dark,
the awe when I first watched my son fly a kite -
God's given me countless days of delight.

I have no resources with which to pay
for each goodnight kiss, the dawn of each day,
but for each step through life, gratefully trod,
I offer this poem in praise of God.