For the sun peaking over the trees
and children rushing to meet the school bus
and Mr. Don who will drive them safely
and a second-grader who forgot her lunchbox;

For my little dog, tagging all he surveys,
and all his friends who come over for a sniff
and the rain lilies that popped up
after a much needed downpour;

For the girl with high-school-senior anxiety
and the retired couple out for their morning walk
and the family who lost their dad last year
and the toddler cawing at the morning birds;

For the hectic start and a calming walk
and reminders of the fullness of life
all around the block
I am grateful, O God. Amen.