God-fearing people try to do right

It seems bad news is presented every day. Seldom do we hear about good things, but on any given day, we have more blessings than problems. Despite all of the bad news there are many great things about this country I can name. Reams of paper would be required if you added your list to mine.

So the next time you feel down about all of the negatives, think about the overwhelming positives surrounding us. I find them just waiting to be appreciated. One never misses something until it is taken away. Here are some of the many, many things I I love about America:

Attending the church of my choice.

Voting of the polls to have a voice.

Marrying the love of my life.

Loving to be my husband's wife.

Roses growing at my garden gate.

The mocking bird singing to his mate.

That phone call, "Hi Mom, it's me. Have you put up the Christmas tree?"

Waving at neighbors down the street.

A hug and a laugh from those I greet.

Children's laughter that brings me cheer.

My loving Savior who is always near.

People helping people in my hometown.

Rams marching band, I love that sound.

God's holy hush, putting nature to bed.

The warm feeling after prayers are said.

My husband's cologne lingering in the room.

A goodbye kiss, "I'll be back at noon."

A love note lying on his favorite chair.

Knowing he secretly put it there.

A dream comes true with lots of hard work.

A loving father whose role is not shirked.

An older couple with a haltering stride.

Reading the Bible for a lifetime guide.

Friends and neighbors who mean so much.

Loving and caring with a tender touch.

Community leaders who do their best.

To keep us safe with peace and rest.

Hearing "Taps" played with a trickling tear.

Living in America I

hold so dear.

Our country flag that waves so free.

The red, white and blue are special to me.

Waking to God's gift of another day.

The smell of honeysuckle along the way.

A rainbow after a summer's rain.

The whistle sound of a midnight train.

Steeples on churches and bells that chime.

Teachers who work often overtime.

Forgiving those who trespass against me.

Being proud of ancestors and the family tree.

Farmers who work from down until night.

Restaurants opening at dawn's early light.

Mountain-moving faith, refusing defeat.

Giving a smile to all those you meet.

People who pray and are always kind.

Not holding grudges nor deceit in mind.

Remembering veterans who gave us their all.

Being proud of our country, standing tall.

Righting the wrongs wherever we can.

Living at peace with our fellow man.

Cherishing freedom and the blessings brought.

Honoring the memory of those who fought

Those who died that we might be free.

Sharing my gratitude for our liberty.

People helping those with so many needs.

Blessing others with their good deeds.

The beauty of the earth with a sky so blue.

Makes me grateful to God for such a view.

A field of grain with its beautiful glow.

The harvest of fall, working row by row.

So many things to be thankful for.

Do I need to say anything more?

What's right with our country? What is its great might?

It's God-fearing people who try to do right!

Portales resident Joan Clayton is a retired teacher and published author. Her e-mail address is: [email protected]