I am thankful for...

...the pounding overhead, the shingles scattered on our lawn. When I see their deteriorated tabs, I am thankful only a warning drip, only a small fading stain on our kitchen ceiling prompted us to call a contractor. Even though the insurance company denied our claims due to faulty materials and no hail damage, I am thankful for the means to pay for this replacement. When one of my sons expressed concern a new roof meant he would see the sky over his bed, I was thankful I could assure him it only means this pounding, these scattered shingles.

Because I know not far from here someone is looking at the sky while standing on a foundation slab, wondering how to explain to a son or daughter why their shingles are scattered on their lawn, their neighbor's lawn and, most likely, a lawn several blocks away. With soberness, I hope prayer shelters them tonight.