It’s that time of year when we are supposed to be thankful for all that we have. We shouldn’t confine thankfulness to one day or even one month a year but be grateful every day for all the good things in our lives.
We sing one of my favorite songs in church “Count Your Many Blessings” which includes the phrase “name them one by one”. Have you ever sat down with a paper and pencil and written down all of your blessings you can think of? I haven’t but should. It could be an open-ended list to which more blessings can be added, reworded, or some crossed off when they’re gone. A visual compilation of how good we have it might help us be more thankful.
Waking up every morning after a night’s sleep, breathing fresh air, experiencing good health, and having good friends and family tops my list. Living in a safe place with electricity and running hot and cold water that keeps me out of the elements are others. Going into my kitchen and not having to worry if I have enough food for that day is another. The empty shelves during Covid made me thankful for full shelves when I go shopping, a lesson not soon forgotten. I’ve started my list! Please, start your own.
Some people don’t have a whole lot of blessings. Thinking of them makes me realize how blessed I am. They are the ones who need our help which may make us one of the blessings in their lives. Donating to homeless shelters and food banks goes a long way toward helping those in need. Remember them as you buy gifts this holiday season.
Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. I Thessalonians 5:17-18