Seeing all of life as a blessing

We continue with our theme for October, Thanksgiving, and this week we looked on Sunday as to whether we can see all of life as a blessing. I was deeply challenged by this statement and even more so by Jesus teaching in Matt6.
As I reflected I realised that I'm not a very grateful person!
I have so much, yet am easily lured into a place of wanting more stuff...
I would really like to embrace the value of gratitude, and help me here, but could these thoughts be helpful as we try to become practical-
  • If we could begin to really see who it is that loves us- that it is Jesus who loves us- and Jesus has all authority in heaven and on earth!If we could open our eyes in wonder and belief, and allow Jesus to become our very centre, that we would define our identity in Him and not in all the stuff we think will give us security.
  • If we could spend more time responding to God's giving and not be so preoccupied with getting-maybe taking some time out just to" be" may help us see all the blessings that are part of our lives.
  • Simply say thank you to God many times through the day!

I would really be interested to be in conversation with you about this subject as I long now to be a more grateful person, and let's learn from each other!

Posted by Anonymous on Monday, October 09, 2006

1 comment:

  1. Anonymous16 October 2006 at 07:43

    Hi Carol

    You're so right, we live our busy lives and don't take the time to look around us and see how grateful we should be. We're so fortunate, because no matter how difficult life becomes, there's always someone nearby who's in a far worse situation than ourselves.

    Whilst listening to Barry the other evening, and again just now when I read your comments, I thought about the chorus of a song I remember from Sunday School (that's a blessing in itself that my memory has lasted for 40-odd years!). I've found the words to the whole song and have included them because they are just so appropriate and beautiful: -

    COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS

    Count your blessings
    Name them one by one
    Count your blessings
    See what God has done
    Count your blessings
    Name them one by one
    Count your many blessings
    See what God has done

    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

    Are you ever burdened
    With a load of care
    Does the cross seem heavy
    You are called to bear
    Count your many blessings
    Every doubt will fly
    And you will be singing
    As the days go by

    When you look at others
    With their lands and gold
    Think that Christ has promised
    You His wealth untold
    Count your many blessings
    Money cannot buy
    Your reward in heaven
    Nor your home on high

    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

    Count your blessings
    Name them one by one
    Count your blessings
    See what God has done
    Count your blessings
    Name them one by one
    Count your many blessings
    See what God has done

    God bless and have a wonderful week. Thanks for being an inspiration to us all.

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