Grateful Friday

I will exalt you, Adonai, because you drew me up;

you didn’t let my enemies rejoice over me.

Adonai my G-d, I cried out to you,

and you provided healing for me.

Adonai, you lifted me up from Sh’ol;

you kept me alive when I was sinking into a pit.

Sing praise to Adonai, you faithful of his;

and give thanks on recalling his holiness.

For his anger is momentary,

but his favor lasts a lifetime.

Tears may linger for the night,

but with dawn come cries of joy.

Once I was prosperous and used to say,

that nothing could ever shake me —

when you showed me favor, Adonai,

I was firm as a mighty mountain.

But when you hid your face,

I was struck with terror.

I called to you, Adonai;

to Adonai I pleaded for mercy:

“What advantage is there in my death,

in my going down to the pit?

Can the dust praise you?

Can it proclaim your truth?

Hear me, Adonai, and show me your favor!

Adonai, be my helper!”

You turned my mourning into dancing!

You removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,

so that my well-being can praise you and not be silent;

Adonai my G-d, I will thank you forever!

~Psalm 30

***

I am ever so grateful for healing,
and for joy...
for the fullness of life,
and for the love of those the LORD has given to me.

I am grateful for time and timing;
for tender words
and honest emotions.

I am grateful for smiles and tears,
for devotion and loyalty.
I'm grateful for clarity and wisdom,
for mourning and for exuberance...

I'm grateful for life.
I'm grateful to be privileged to live it.
I'm grateful to share it.
I'm so very grateful.

So, what are you grateful for this week?