Open to me

   the gates of righteousness,

that I may enter through them

and give thanks to the LORD.

                  Psalm 118. 19

(What kind of open doors

             are we seeking?

For what is now?

    Or just what is next?

And have we ourselves

    locked them from the inside?

Gratefulness to God

   --the practice of

         giving thanks to Him--

is a gate and well-trodden path

    that changes our trajectory

by focusing us on Him.

His hand and Presence

       are not elusive,

        but right here with us

                   all along.

Being grateful to the LORD

    empowers us to see

              in the dark

and see doors already opened,

      right in front of us.)

O LORD,

We give thanks to You,

      for You are good,

and Your steadfast love

      endures forever.

We give thanks to You,

     not just for all that You do,

     or for how You bless,

but for Who You are.

Thank You for loving us

     right to You.

Thank You for loving us

    through the miry bog

    and the mess we have made,

and loving us

               no matter what.

Gratefulness to You

    changes our hearts

            and our vision.