The trees seemed to be on fire and exploding with color as we approached them and the closer we got the more vibrant they became.  The reds, pinks and greens in the trees mingled with the bright blue from the sky and produced a gorgeous display of the majestic gift of spring.  These fantastic trees were also setting on a remarkable piece of property.  Situated on the brow of Sand Mountain where it overlooks the Tennessee River snaking its way through North Alabama near Stevenson.  The cool breeze that was pushing its way up from the river valley below came spilling over into this tranquil meadow full of the trees of fire. 

        I divided my time in this wonderful place watching the tiny boats below; chasing a butterfly, trying to get him to say “Cheese” and admiring these breathtaking trees.  I was so preoccupied with the butterfly that I actually stepped on a rabbit that was hiding in the weeds underneath the trees; she jumped and screamed as she scampered off into the undergrowth, (well, maybe that was me who screamed, I’m not sure, one of us did scream).  And just then as to say, it’s alright, the butterfly came floating back to earth, so off I go chasing my butterfly.

        As I think back to my time spent underneath the trees of fire something occurs to me and stops me in my tracks.  I never said, “Thank You” to the owner of the property.  Even though he did not officially know I was visiting his land, (He is a great fellow and I am sure he did not mind) yet, I still never told him thanks.  Apparently I had forgotten what my mother taught me as a little child, I can still hear her loving voice telling me, “What are you suppose to say?”  This is an attempt to make amends for that lapse in judgment, and I shall tell him to his face as soon as possible.

        How happy a person is depends upon the depth of his gratitude.  Gratitude is born in the heart of those who take the time to count up their blessings.  So, why are we so unhappy?  Perhaps, like me, you have simply forgotten the admonitions of your mother; we are too busy complaining, griping and protesting over things we do not have to notice the wonderful gifts we do have.  Today, let us pause for a moment, smile and say, Thank You to someone.  It will make you feel good and you just might make someone’s day.  Gratitude is a choice; let us cultivate a thankful Spirit! It will be to you a perpetual feast.

Something to think about:

• Gratitude to our Maker makes even a temporal blessing a taste of heaven.

• Who does not thank for little will not thank for much.

• There’s more and more to be so very grateful for.

• Life without thankfulness is devoid of love and passion. Hope without thankfulness is lacking in fine perception. Faith without thankfulness lacks strength and fortitude. Every virtue divorced from thankfulness is maimed and limps along the spiritual road.

• A thankless man never does a thankful deed.

• I fear that what will surprise us most, when we see our Lord, will be the extent of our own ingratitude.

• When it comes to life, the critical thing is whether you take things for granted or take them with gratitude.

• Let us give thanks for Someone to thank.

Thank You
Rickey Moore