“Count your blessings, name them one by one, Count your blessings, see what God has done.”
That is the verse from a beautiful song written by Johnson Oatman, Jr.,published in 1897. I learned that song as a child. As time passes we push some of the things from the past to the back and new experiences and learning take precedent. I am sitting in the early, quiet time of a new day. No distraction, just silence.
We have just memorialized the precious mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, grandchildren, brothers, sisters and friends lost in a horrific moment, when evil touched our country. Yet, I sit here safely, writing and reflecting.
I decided to see how many blessings I could count in five minutes. “Ready, set, go!”
Thank You Father that I can breathe, walk, talk, hear and see. I can feel, even though it is occasionally with pain. I can love. I enjoy the colors of the seasons. I am loved by my family. I slept in a comfortable, safe bed last night. You protect me in traffic. I can pray anytime I want. The aroma of coffee brewing greeted me this morning. I find laughter and humor even in the midst of turmoil. I have friends that care. I can work anytime I want to. I can smell banana bread baking. I have food to eat and water to drink. My dog lays sleeping at my feet. I have a washing machine and dryer. I have a car. The sun came up. The rain falls. I find peace in Your word. I have learned to be content. I had family who left behind wonderful memories. I was born in the United States of America. I can clean my home. You always have time for me when everyone else is busy. You care about the things I am concerned about. After fourteen years, I still weep for those taken and those who mourn because of 9/11/2001. I am able to grasp what compassion is. I love music. I cry over good movies, stories or songs. I don’t hate. I can forgive. We have access to excellent hospitals, doctors and nurses. You protect my family. You sent the Holy Spirit to be my constant companion. You have never left me alone.
As you know in your own count, we could go on and on and on. We often focus on the few things we don’t have, instead of on the multitude of other blessings that we can claim as ours.
We may not have the grandest home, the most expensive car, clothes or physical shape and body we desire. For whatever reason, known only to God, what we do have this moment, is perfectly what God has planned for us. If we can learn to rejoice and count as blessings all that we have including the smallest things, then contentment and peace become another blessing we can call ours. No matter what trouble, pain or burden comes, even then we can rejoice.
Today, try doing your own, “Ready, set, go!” See how many blessings you can count in five minutes. I suspect that you will find as did I, that there are far more blessings I can call mine, than five minutes allows.
~Scripture For Today~
Psalms 40:1-5
1 I waited patiently for the Lord; And He inclined to me and heard my cry. 2 He brought me up out of the pit of destruction, out of the miry clay, And He set my feet upon a rock making my footsteps firm. 3 He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God; Many will see and fear And will trust in the Lord. 4 How blessed is the man who has made the Lord his trust, And has not turned to the proud, nor to those who lapse into falsehood. 5 Many, O Lord my God, are the wonders which You have done, And Your thoughts toward us; There is none to compare with You. If I would declare and speak of them, They would be too numerous to count. (NASB)
~Prayer For Today~
Hello Father! It is the little things we forget about. The small things we overlook. We are blessed in our coming and going. Even though trouble comes to our door, yet we remember the many blessings You have provided and the love that You cover us with daily. Thank You Father, they are too numerous to count. Forgive us of our sins. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
©2015 Kathy Ledbetter. All Rights Reserved.