Count Your Blessings

The New Year usually brings resolutions. A promise to do an act for the betterment of ourselves. Exercise more. Eat healthier. Have my finances in order. Less stress. Travel more. Be kinder.

I surely have had my own personal share of successful and (mostly) failed resolutions. But this year, instead of a New Year's resolution, I have chosen a motto. A saying to remember. A statement in which I will live by.

Count your blessings.

It is from one of my son's favorite church songs. He doesn't know all the words but he sings the chorus with such zeal and so much passion. And when I truly paid attention to the words, I realized there is a huge lesson I can take from it. 

Having a bad day? Name three blessings in your life. Right now. Complaining about the huge pile of dirty laundry? Be thankful about the blessing that you have clothes to wear. Upset that your daughter "ruined" your photo by reaching for the phone? How about be thankful for the blessings of those curious chubby fingers instead.

You see, it is almost impossible to stay angry or stressed or sad when we force ourselves to name a few (or even just one!) positive things in our life right now. You don't have to say it out loud (although I think I need to do this for the first few weeks) and it doesn't have to be big. A blessing is a blessing. And maybe at the end of this new year, I don't have to consciously remind myself to think this way. It will just come naturally.

So here's to the new year. To 2015 -- where I will be focusing on counting and being thankful for the blessings God has given me, continues to provide me, and the many more blessings ahead.

When upon life's billow 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.

(Chorus)

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.

Are you ever burdened with a load of care?

Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?

Count your many blessings; ev'ry 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 God 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.