Even in times of uncertainty – even when life seems far from perfect – it’s always important to keep things in perspective.
1. You are alive.
2. You didn’t go to sleep hungry last night.
3. You didn’t go to sleep outside.
4. You had a choice of what clothes to wear this morning.
5. You haven’t spent a minute in fear for your life.
6. You know someone who loves you.
7. You have access to clean drinking water.
8. You have access to medical care.
9. You have access to the Internet.
10. You can read.
Some might say you are incredibly wealthy and privileged, so remember to be thankful for all the things you do have.*
Well said. Perhaps this week we should each take time out to count our blessings – collectively and individually. The admonition of hymn writer Johnson Oatman, Jr. still rings true almost 120 years after it was first penned…
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 hath done.
Refrain
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings, see what God hath done!
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath 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.
Refrain
When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
Count your many blessings. Wealth can never buy
Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.
Refrain
So, amid the conflict whether great or small,
Do not be disheartened, God is over all;
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.
Refrain**
Happy Thanksgiving.
SOURCES:
* http://www.marcandangel.com/2014/11/23/10-great-privileges-
we-forget-to-be-thankful-for/#more-796. They also have an email delivery service for insightful articles. The one following this blog post, titled “5 Reasons Someone Wishes They Were You”, is exceptional. It is well worth one’s time to subscribe.
** http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/c/o/countyou.htm.