In a world of plenty where most of us are pre-programmed to strive for more, desire what we don’t have, and lust after what’s faster, better, and stronger, we forget to appreciate what we have.
It made me think: what would happen if we could all learn to live with less? What if we could accept the gifts life has to bestow upon us and let what we have be enough? What if we took measures to simply count our blessings everyday? Would we (could we) be happier or more content?
When we count our blessings, we note all the wonderful things in our lives. This helps us to appreciate how good life is. Gratitude is a feeling of appreciation or thanks. When people count their blessings, they can say it like this: “I am thankful for my family. I am thankful for my friends. I am thankful for my health.”
It is better to be grateful for our blessings than to take them for granted. When we take something for granted, we do not appreciate it. Sometimes we are not appreciative of our good fortune and blessings until they are gone.
But now, let’s take a step back. What exactly is a blessing?
In English, the word “blessing” has at least two meanings. As we said, a blessing is something that brings you happiness or helps you. To religious people, a blessing is approval and help from a higher source — God.
So, what kinds of things can we be thankful for? Here is my list which I frequently look at as a source of encouragement and positivity
- The love of my family and friends
- The privilege of having a job
- The opportunity to spend time with the less fortunate both at work and my church
- Being able to help people
- Clean water and good food
- All the beautiful things that God has created
Make a habit of being thankful. As I mentioned, I think it’s a great idea to keep a list handy to remind you of everything you have to be grateful for. You can even write yourself notes and put them around the house or at your office.
So much of our happiness has to do with our focus…what we’re dwelling on in our mind. That’s why when we put our focus on God and all of the great things He does for us, it breathes hope into our thoughts, moods, and our entire day.
When we give thank, we make God bigger in our eyes…and suddenly our problems seem smaller!
Do you want to make this day and every day better? then begin to count your blessings! As you do, your perspective will change, and you’ll suddenly feel so much better about life.
Here are two hymns on this topic that I love
Kenrick Vaz 