“give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thess 5:18)

I carried the container of water to the front of the house, amazed that it was the end of October and still so warm. I poured the water on the pink periwinkles that had spread and taken over the container in which I had planted them. Periwinkles had never grown this well for me before.

I glanced down as a flash of hot pink caught my eye. A lone periwinkle poked its head through the crack in the sidewalk and flourished for all to see. I stopped watering and stared in amazement.

This small, lone periwinkle had pushed up through the tiniest crack in the sidewalk. From a seed that transferred from the container to the ground, to the sun and rain that nurtured it, this periwinkle had survived where no periwinkle should have been.

This little flower reminded me to be thankful in all things – even, maybe especially, the little things – and to notice things going on around me. I can get so caught up in what’s happening in my own life that I fail to pay attention to what those around me are going through.

With God’s help, I can see things – and people – through his eyes and reach out to be his hands and feet to others. No matter what I’m going through, I can always reach out, and in helping someone else, my own burden will seem lighter. In all things, I will give thanks.

Dear Lord, thank you for the reminder to be aware of what’s going on around me. Thank you for the tiny periwinkle that’s thriving where no living thing should. I pray that you will open my eyes to those around me and help me to reach out with your grace and love. Amen.