A Test in Gratitude: A Little Perspective for Your Weekend

 In his book entitled Prayer, George Buttrick tells a story to help people see the goodness of God …
“A lecturer to a group of business men displayed a sheet of white paper in which was one blot.  He asked what they saw. 

All answered, “A blot.”

The test was unfair; it invited a wrong answer. Nevertheless, there is an ingratitude in human nature by which we notice the black disfigurement and forget the widespread mercy.  We need to deliberately call to mind the joys of our journey.  Perhaps we should try to write down the blessings of one day. We might begin; we could never end: there are not pens or paper in all the world.  The attempt would remind us of our ‘vast treasure of content’.”*

Father, forgive me for focusing on the little black blots of life.  Instead, open my eyes to see the widespread mercy that you have so generously lavished upon me.  There is no good apart from you.  Please give me eyes to see …