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Monday, May 10, 2010

Heart of the Matter - Count Your Blessings


Count your blessings.

So much of the time we focus on what's wrong with things; The world, our life, our situation and our self. I'd like you to try something. Set aside a period of time that you can focus (I know many of you are busy with kids, jobs or life, but try), take out a pen and paper, and start to write down your blessings. Please do this away from the computer.

Start with something basic. Maybe, "I woke up this morning," or "My wonderful kids," etc. As you continue to write down your blessings, start to think about decisions you made one way, that if you made another could have had devastating results. Maybe a person you *could* have married, but didn't. Sometimes blessings aren't what you have, but where you are in life. We all could be far worse.

As you continue to list out blessings, start to think of people that are a blessing to you. Life is not a solitary journey. People are put in our path for a reason. Some people come along for difficult times in our life to get us through. Even though those people may not be around now, they were sent to us for a time and a purpose. Never forget good friends and those who were friends for a season.

As you look over your list, notice things that last. Money goes away, health may fail, people may fail you, but notice blessings that are lasting. Those you can build the rest of your life upon. Now that you've made your list, put in in a place you can refer to it when you need to. Add to it, if you think to as time goes on.

Now picture in your mind someone making a list of blessings for them. Would you be on someone's (hopefully more than one person's) list? You don't need to ask anyone if it would be the case, but think about it. We don't live forever. We have a short time on this earth, and the time we have is the time we need to use. You have captured your blessings on a list, but remember the greatest blessing in life is to be a blessing to others.

Have a great day.

9 comments:

Anne Gallagher said...

I've had a list I've kept for at least 10 years now. The notebook is almost full so I have to buy another one. Be grateful for everything and many blessings will come your way.

Life Laugh Latte said...

I'd love to start a blessings list at school...a place of constant complaining both by kids and teachers. Imagine a wall covered by butcher paper that asks people to remember why we are so lucky to have our kids in that environment when so many kids have no computers, little food, teachers that feel the kids can't learn. Good stuff to think about! Holly:)

Gina F. said...

I am grateful for everthing in my life. I have alot of blessings to be grateful for. Thanks for sharing and posting this to remember how much we have to be grateful for. HAVE A GREAT MONDAY!!! :)

Gina
Visit my blog at http://motherof1princessand2princes.blogspot.com

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

That's putting it all in perspective!

Green Monkey said...

This is the first thing I've read from you and I have to be honest... I'm suspicious... you're NOT really a man are you?!?!

:) I try to start each morning by verbally announcing what I am grateful for.

I just wrote a bit about it under a revised post called WHAT LURKS IN PARADISE.

Thanks for following and I look forward to reading more of your posts! Best, Shannon aka Green Monkey

Jen Avila said...

I am a firm believer in counting your blessings. Oh yeah! I am thankful each and every day for what/who has been placed in my life. :)
Great post.

S Farrell said...

This is something that everyone really should do. I lost my job last year and after juggling work and kids for so long, it actually turned out to be a blessing in disguise. I know what is truely important now. BTW, I have an award for you at my blog. Feel free to stop by when you have a chance!

Unknown said...

I think that we all go through periods in our life where we are more grateful than others. I feel that the enlightenment that we attain is gained through the losses and re-do's that we encounter thus creating a widen focus on what to be grateful for! Thanks for the reminder today and peace always!

Julie Musil said...

I love this post. I actually keep a "thankful journal" for this purpose. Sometimes we need to be reminded!