The other day I had lunch with a dear friend of mine, which we pleasantly spent talking about our lives and what had been going on - good and bad. It was wonderful to hang out with her, and to be able to voice my frustrations to someone who understood where I was coming from, having been there herself many a time. It was also refreshing to hear her perspective. Since she’s had to deal with the same frustrations, she was able to give me some solid, Christian advice.
What struck me the most about what she said to me was something so simple that it’s often overlooked, namely: we are so blessed. It’s easy enough to get caught up in life’s frustrations, but in doing so we lose sight of how blessed we truly are. I realized that recently I’ve been living in “the-grass-is-greener-on-the-other-side” mode, instead of seeing how God has been at work in my life. I’ve been filled with resentment towards friends near and far. I’ve been disappointed with how little I’ve accomplished in my life. I’ve been getting frustrated all too easily, and pointing my finger at everyone but myself. I get angry too quickly, and worry too much about petty things.
The thing is, I think sometimes God allows worrisome things in our lives in order to turn us back to Him. Who said that life was supposed to be clean and easy? As a Christian, I am still called to trust God with all the ups and downs of life. After all, He’s always there to see me through it. And knowing that I’ll never be alone – that is a true blessing.
So, to remind myself of how blessed I am, I have, as Bing Crosby so sweetly sings, counted my blessings. Here are just a few of the things I am thankful for:
1) My Husband who loves me despite my flaws.
2) My Family who loves me no matter what.
3) The roof over my head and the food in my belly.
4) The job I have - even with all its frustrations.
5) The fact that I am able to wake up each morning and move of my own accord.
And, in the spirit of this post, here is Mr. Crosby himself. Enjoy!
Count Your Blessings (Instead of Sheep)
When I'm worried and I can't sleep
I count my blessings instead of sheep
And I fall asleep counting my blessings
When my bankroll is getting small
I think of when I had none at all
And I fall asleep counting my blessings
I think about a nursery and I picture curly heads
And one by one I count them as they slumber in their beds
If you're worried and you can't sleep
Just count your blessings instead of sheep
And you'll fall asleep counting your blessings
I think about a nursery and I picture curly heads
And one by one I count them as they slumber in their beds
If you're worried and you can't sleep
Just count your blessings instead of sheep
And you'll fall asleep counting your blessings
