Issue 349 - Simple Gifts

November 2025

Earlier this month, Jan was sorting through some old papers. Among the things she found were a couple of email messages she had printed out and kept. Both remind us to treasure life’s simple gifts. In this season of Thanksgiving, we want to share them with you.

A Morning Prayer

One email Jan found was something I sent her in 2004, while I was spending a month in Germany. In that email, I shared this short morning prayer from a German Lutheran hymnal.* (I do not know the author; the English translation is my own.)


Good morning, my God. I look forward to this day. I am glad to be alive. And I want to let you know.


Not everyone feels like this today. Therefore, give me radiant eyes, helpful hands, attentive ears, encouraging words and sheltering silence. Grant me the insight to read between the lines. May my happiness be infectious.


Grant me also a clear memory of my sense of well-being today, so that I can remember it when I myself am struggling. We all wander between light and dark as we make our way to you.


Good morning, my God. I am glad to be alive. Thank you for this day. Amen.

--Bill

*Evangelisches Gesangbuch: Ausgabe für die Evangelisch-Lutherischen Kirchen in Bayern und Thüringen (2nd ed., 1995), p. 1443.

Dog Lessons

This time of year we often hear recommendations about Seasons and Time. "There is a season for everything; a time for searching, a time for losing, a time for keeping, a time for discarding." (Eccl.3:1a,6)


Sometimes special things are difficult to discard – there are lots of files whose memories give wisdom, or comfort, or peace. It seems to give a file value to use it just one more time. "What We can Learn from a Dog" guides me to practice more dog wisdom, to not discard it just yet. Yes, this is a "time for keeping" for a bit longer. 


On March 23, 2000, a dear one emailed this list of lessons we can learn from a dog. She didn't know its origin; so for this printing I attribute it to "author unknown."


What We can Learn from a Dog

Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joy ride.

Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.

When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.

When it's in your best interest, always practice obedience.

Take naps and always stretch before rising.

Run, romp and play daily.

Let others know when they have invaded your territory.

Eat with gusto and enthusiasm.

Be loyal.

Never pretend to be something you are not.

If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.

When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close and nuzzle.

Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.

Thrive on attention and let people touch you.

Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.

On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.

When you are happy, dance around and wag your entire body.

--Jan

"Simple Gifts"

Gratitude

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Issue 346 - Poets

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Sincerely,
Bill Howden and Jan Davis
Soul Windows Ministries