I came across this poem and thought it good for reflection on all that we receive.
Gratefulness
Thou that hast giv'n so much to me,
Give one thing more, a grateful heart.
See how thy beggar works on thee by art.
He makes thy gifts occasion more,
And says, If he in this be crossed,
All thou hast giv'n him heretofore is lost.
But thou didst reckon, when at first
Thy word our hearts and hands did crave,
What it would come to at the worst to save.
Perpetual knockings at thy door,
Tears sullying thy transparent rooms,
Gift upon gift, much would have more, and comes.
This notwithstanding, thou wentst on,
And didst allow us all our noise:
Nay thou hast made a sigh and groan thy joys.
Not that thou hast not still above
Much better tunes, than groans can make;
But that these country-airs thy love did take.
Wherefore I cry, and cry again;
And in no quiet canst thou be,
Till I a thankful heart obtain of thee.
Not thankful, when it pleaseth me;
As if thy blessings had spare days:
But such a heart, whose pulse may be thy praise.
(George Herbert)
