It’s Thanksgiving week. How thankful are you?
Me… I’m struggling.
I woke up at 5am, turned over and went back to sleep, only to wake again at 6. I gave up and got out of bed. As the last hour has progressed, a headache has formed and continues to get worse. I hope breakfast will help; otherwise, I’ll be taking something for it.
Yesterday marked the last day the pastors we have worshiped and learned under would be in our church. They have accepted a position several hours away. While I know this is God’s will for them (they’ve shared their journey to this decision), it does not make the reality any easier.
My son and his new wife stopped by yesterday (I am thankful for her). It reiterated the fact that he is no longer just my son, but he is her husband, and their new life together has begun. He will not live under my roof again. Even now, I tear up thinking about it. He’s not my first to fly from the nest, but his marriage means it’s permanent. It also means that he has another family to visit on holidays, like Thanksgiving and Christmas. Ya know?
So… what to do when you struggle with being grateful… You list all the things that you have to be grateful for.
- I’m breathing
- I can walk and talk and type
- my family is healthy
- I have a roof over my head
- I have heat (fall finally hit AL in the last few days)
- God loves me
- Jesus saved me
- I have great friends
- I have a wonderful husband
- Pandora (love my music)
- internet
- computers
- food
The list could go on and on.
An old hymn we used to sing in church comes to mind. It was published in 1897 by Johnson Oatman, Jr. Here are the lyrics:
When upon life’s billows you are tempest-tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.
Refrain:
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings, see what God has done!
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your many blessings, see what God has done.
Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,
And you will keep singing as the days go by.
When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
Count your many blessings—money cannot buy
Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.
So, amid the conflict whether great or small,
Do not be discouraged, God is over all;
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.
Such a great reminder. “God is over all.” No matter what’s going on, no matter our circumstances, no matter our “feelings.”
If the only blessing we could count was the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus then that would be enough.
Today, I would like you to THINK. STOP reading here and count your blessings.
START COUNTING!
Now that you’ve done that, share one or two with us. We all need reminding how blessed we really are.
Blessings,
