THANK YOU LORD

 Lord, thank you for this sink of dirty dishes; we have plenty of food to eat.

 Thank you for this pile of dirty, stinky laundry; we have plenty of nice clothes to wear.

And I would like to thank you, Lord, for those unmade beds; they were so warm and comfortable last night.  I know that many have no bed.

My thanks to you, Lord, for this bathroom, complete with all the splattered mirrors, soggy, grimy towels and  dirty lavatory; they are so convenient.

Thank you for this finger-smudged refrigerator that needs defrosting so badly;  It has served us faithfully for many years.  It is full of cold drinks and enough leftovers for two or three meals.

Thank you, Lord, for this oven that absolutely must be cleaned today. It has baked so many things over the years.

The whole family is grateful for that tall grass that needs mowing, the lawn that needs raking; we all enjoy the yard.

Thank you, Lord, even for that slamming screen door.  My kids are healthy and able to run and play.

Lord, the presence of all these chores awaiting me says You have richly blessed my family.  I shall do them cheerfully and I shall do them gratefully.

BEYOND DEATH

      A sick man turned to his doctor, as he was leaving the room after paying a visit, and said, "Doctor, I am afraid to die.  Tell me what lies on the other side."

Very quietly the doctor said, "I don't know."

"You don't know?  You, a Christian man, do not know what is on the other side?"

The doctor was holding the handle of the door, on the other side of which came a sound of scratching and whining, and as he opened the door a dog sprang into the room and leaped on him with an eager show of gladness.

Turning to the patient, the doctor said, "Did you notice that dog?  He had never been in this room before.  He did not know what was inside. He knew nothing except that his master was here, and when the door opened he sprang in without fear.

I know little of what is on the other side of death, but I do know one thing:  I know my Master is there, and that is enough.  And when the door opens, I shall pass through with no fear, but with gladness.