“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.”

(Count Your Many Blessings, 1897)

So much to be grateful for this year.

But there has also been loss, hurt, and confusion.

We are often consumed all by the things!

The things that don’t go our way, the things we want but don’t have, the things we are waiting to happen.

We fuss. We blame. We complain.

The world tells us to do what makes us happy.  But we aren’t.

The world tells us to love ourselves.  But we don’t.

The world tries to give us advice for the good life.  But, no matter how hard we work, we are always trying to find it.

What if we turn our thoughts on His things?

When we are looking to God, we will find Him working.  We find His joy, His love, His blessings.

The things we enjoy, the things we cherish, the things that have created beautiful memories, the things that make us smile and soothe our souls.

Not just today, but every day.

They are there. 

God creates beautiful things, just for you and just for me.

Today, maybe it’s the chaos in the family dinners. Soak it in.

Or the kind messages during the holiday preparations. So thoughtful.

The stories, the memories being shared.  Special times.

In the days to come, it’s still family and the friends.  

But it’s also the sun shining.

The wagging of a pupper’s tail.

And, an encouraging comment.

Watching littles get excited.

Or, the first taste of coffee on a cold, winter morning.

God is there in it all. You just have to look.

All the blessings, count them one by one!

What are you thankful for today?