Appreciation

As I get older, I realize there are things in
My life I didn't appreciate until it was too late.

I didn't appreciate the naps they used to make
Me take in kindergarten.

I long for the day when someone says, "You
Can't work anymore until you take a nap." I
Guarantee you, I won't argue.

I didn't appreciate one-Penny candy or milk
That was delivered to your front door. In the
"do-it-yourself" world we'll never see either of.

I didn't appreciate those face-squishing hugs
My mother used to give me.

Now that she's gone home to be with the God,
I long for just one more.

This time I would squish her right back.

I didn't appreciate the days I danced barefoot
In the rain with my mouth open wide trying to
Get a drink of raindrops.

I didn't appreciate the sacrifice my parents
Made for my brothers and me to keep us clothed,
Fed and happy.

I didn't appreciate mom letting us mess up the
Living room on a rainy day.

I thought building a tent with a secret tunnel
Is what everyone did on those days.

I didn't appreciate the marvels of planting a seed
And watching it sprout into a full-grown plant.

I didn't appreciate the struggles we had to go
Through as a family.

Because of yesterday's struggles, we have
Strength for today.

I didn't appreciate the times my Daughters came to
Me and asked those annoying, unanswerable questions.
"What makes a duck quack?" "Why is the sky blue?"

I had no idea they thought I was smart enough
To answer all their questions.

I didn't appreciate the times our family had.

I didn't appreciate those primary School teachers

who went through so much
Trouble to collect toilet paper rolls so I could
Understand what a scroll was.

I didn't appreciate those clear nights when the
Stars danced with glee showing
Off their awesome Creator.

I didn't appreciate My Daughters' "refrigerator
Artwork" that made our house a home.

I didn't know to appreciate the muddy
Footprints my Girls and I so often found

making a Path across our carpet

as a representation of life.

I didn't appreciate the times my children

fell Asleep in daddy's arms.

I didn't realize it was there they felt
Protected from all the elements of the world.

God, I have just one prayer for today.
Open my eyes that I may be able to see
And appreciate the things that you do

each day.