A Grateful Reminder

A dear friend emailed this poem to me today and said it reminded her of me. Turns out it was just the reminder I needed. I had begun to feel like my cup was half empty and to take for granted the blessings I enjoy. I had lost sight of gratitude, and when you lose sight of gratitude, loss of hope is not far behind. I don’t know who wrote this, but thought it was worth sharing.

I’ve never made a fortune,
and it’s probably too late now. 
But I don’t worry about that much,
I’m happy anyhow 
And as I go along life’s way, 
I’m reaping better than I sowed.
I’m drinking from my saucer, 
‘Cause my cup has overflowed. 

Haven’t got a lot of riches, 
and sometimes the going’s tough 
But I’ve got loving ones all around me, 
and that makes me rich enough. 
I thank GOD for his Blessings, 
and the Mercies HE’s bestowed. 
I’m drinking from my saucer, 
‘Cause my cup has overflowed. 

I remember times when things went wrong, 
My faith wore somewhat thin. 
But all at once the dark clouds broke, 
and the sun peeped through again. 
So LORD, help me not to gripe, 
about the tough rows I have hoed. 
I’m drinking from my saucer, 
‘Cause my cup has overflowed. 

If GOD gives me strength and courage, 
When the way grows steep and rough. 
I’ll not ask for other blessings, 
I’m already Blessed enough. 
And may I never be too busy, 
to help others bear their loads. 
Then I’ll keep drinking from my saucer, 
‘Cause my cup has overflowed. 

In so many ways, my cup really has overflowed with God’s blessings, not the least of which is the connections He has given me through this blog. I need to ask God daily to remind me of all that I have to be grateful for, because it is through gratitude for His blessings that I find joy.

This poem is also a reminder of how important it is to give of myself and the blessings that come from that discipline of thinking of others. In Luke 6:38 Jesus said, “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” It is when I think only of myself that the cup seems half empty. When I think of others, my cup overflows.