As I sat glued to the television set this morning watching all of the devastation from the tornados that has destroyed homes and lives, I began to reflect on the value of one’s life. Repeatedly we heard those who lost everything of monetary value, give thanks to God for life itself. It is unbelievable to look at how the world has been plagued this past year with one disaster after another. We have found that even in the midst of all of these issues, there are some things indestructible, and those are our hopes and trust in God. Our prayers and our compassion are extended to each of these suffering so much and trust that God will comfort them in their distress.
In the midst of all the problems in the world, in our community or even in our own homes, we still have much for which to be thankful. “This day and your life ... are God's gift to you, so give thanks and be joyful always!”[1] It is so important for us to take time each day to look around and concentrate on our blessings. If we have love, health, food, and hope, we are blessed more abundantly than many millions of people in the world. While counting our blessings, one will realize that the problems of life will seem less significant.
Here is a test that each of us can take to check the level of our gratitude for all the blessings we are enjoying.
- Which do you tend to talk about more, your blessings or your disappointments?
- Are you a complainer, always grumbling, always finding fault with your circumstances?
- Are you content with what you have, or always dissatisfied and wanting more?
- Do you find it easier to count your blessings, or is it easier to count your afflictions?
- Do you express thanks to others when they help you, or do you just take it as your due?
- Would others say that you are a thankful person?
We are most blessed to know that God loves us and that He is concerned about us. Therefore, we can say as David, “I will give thanks to thee for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are Thy works, and my soul knows it very well.”
I just read again a plaque that my wife has in the kitchen, “Good Morning, This is God…Today I’ll be handling all your problems and I won’t need your help. So relax and just leave everything to me. Love from above, God.”[2]
If you are a recipient of a blessing, keep the blessings working by being the source of blessing to other people.
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