As this Thanksgiving season rolls around, I’ve had a specific hymn stuck in my head. Perhaps you’ve heard it. It goes something like this,
Count your blessings, name them one by one;
Count your blessings, see what God hath done;
Count your blessings, name them one by one;
Count your many blessings, see what God hath done.
This little diddly was written in 1897 by Johnson Oatman, Jr. and is still sung in churches today. However, until recently, I never truly considered the excellent advice Oatman gives in this song.
It’s pretty simple. We can and should count our blessings.
During the hustle and bustle of this holiday season, I’ve already been in one too many stores. Honestly, it’s exhausting. Yet, on these shopping trips, I’ve noticed many fall-themed signs, T-shirts, and even paper plates referencing thankfulness. I realize these are for Thanksgiving. But I really want to know, what exactly are we thankful for?
I asked this question to someone recently, and they replied, “I’m so blessed I don’t have time to list everything!”
And don’t get me wrong, being so blessed that we don’t have time to discuss it at length is a blessing. In fact, it’s a privilege many individuals wish they had. But again, I wonder how often we take time to acknowledge everything the Lord has given us.
So, let’s start.
I’m thankful for a husband who loves me, a healthy family, an excellent job, and a roof over my head. But I’m also grateful beyond belief to have running water, heat (or air conditioning) that I can turn on with the flip of a switch, a car, the ability to go to the store and buy anything I want or need, and a closet full of clothes.
Just like that, in the matter of a minute, I was able to rattle off 10 things that I was most thankful for. But you know what? That is just scratching the surface. There are so many more blessings the Lord has given me! And, just like Mr. Oatman suggested, I want to count each of them.
This coming weekend, my husband and I have a special date night planned, and I would like to invite all of you to do the same. We are pulling out our handy-dandy notebooks and going to handwrite our list of thankfulness.
Our starting goal is 50, but we aren’t going to stop writing until we can’t think of anything else. After completing the list, we, as a family, will sit together (probably with a snack or two) and praise the Lord for the many blessings He has given us. Afterward, our 2022 lists will be framed and placed in an area we see daily.
Because you know what? Life is hard.
Daily, we face little inconveniences or annoyances that have the potential to ruin precious moments. And I believe that thankfulness is the biggest and best way to combat any negative attitude. My hope and prayer are that when we see these lists in the midst of trials and tribulations, we will remember exactly how He’s blessed us. Or, as the hymn says:
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.
Praise the Lord! He has given us grace and blessed us with everything, let’s thank Him.
The wise poet Junior the Asparagus once said, “A thankful heart is a happy heart. I thank God for what I have, it’s an easy way to start!” This Thanksgiving, I pray that you and yours have a magnificent holiday making memories and remembering what God has done for you. Celebrate the day you’ve been given!
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows (James 1:17).
P.S. I also thank Mr. Oatman. His catchy hymn just started a family tradition!
