As time passes

I wonder at the immensity of creation.
We are smaller than grains of sand
In the vast ocean of time and space.

What is the purpose in giving thanks
When we are so small?

Is it for another or is it for ourselves?

When we know there is something vast
Beyond ourselves
We can free our grasp of personal interests
And help others.

That is the basis of culture and civilization,
The thing that transcends our own lives,
And makes us humans instead of animals.
Among all living things, it makes us unique.

We carry it with us in our conquests.
We teach it to our children.
We breed it into our dogs and horses.
Giving them what we feel is most important and noble.

But more than that
It gives us the peace of heaven.

We can leave this life without fear,
Knowing that the important things
Will continue on,
Like the immensity of time and space.
We are smaller than grains of sand
In the vast ocean of civilization and history.