“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”

‭‭James‬ ‭1:17‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Today was a day absolutely jam-packed with unexpected blessings. On the agenda for the day were trips to two art galleries and a good helping of free time.

Not-on-the-agenda-but-totally-happened today were the following: climbing 278 stairs up to the top of the Walter Scott Memorial (and having to take just that many back down again), a mint chocolate chip ice cream cone, a lovely lunch in a pub (I had a toastie – which is a grilled cheese, but it just SOUNDS so much more Scottish when you call it a toastie!), a high tea with live harp music, an adventurous trek to find the Sir Arthur Conan Doyle statue, and an unbelievably wonderful gourmet dinner.

Each of these things was a blessing in and of its own right, but added to each was so much laughter and friendship – which made it all more beautiful, magical and unforgettable.

More than once I found the words of an Andrew Peterson song ruining through my head: don’t you want to thank someone for this?

Yes. Yes, I do want to thank someone…for the blessings each new day brings – big or small. As the book of James in the Bible reminds me, every unexpected blessing, every good gift, is from God.

So thank you, Father, thank you!