Today’s suggestion:

Count your blessings every day.  Make a list of God’s gifts, at least three every day.

As a family, discuss your bountiful gifts during mealtimes or at bedtime.

“Count your blessings name them one by one.  Count your blessings see what God has done.”  I can hear the old familiar melody in my head, days of long ago in a small church building.  I was a child, but I was old enough to understand the message.  Looking at the good things God does is better than focusing on what I think I lack or listing my grievances and troubles.

It’s not a new concept.  Books have been written about it in the last decades.  Gratitude journals abound.  Science has investigated and believe being thankful makes a person healthier.

We can forget sometimes, can’t we?

Today and through the rest of the 40-day journey to Resurrection Sunday, consider all God has done for you.  If you are a believer in Jesus Christ as your Savior, you have one of the very best reasons to count.  You have been redeemed from your own sin and in exchange been given life!

There are so many gifts that come to us day by day, moment by moment.  How long can you make your list?

My gifts:

• It is the month of Spring!  March has come and hope is renewed.
• The birds are singing in the mornings, already aware that something is in the air.
• I’ve kept warm in the weeks of frigid cold, had enough food and warm clothes to wear.
• People have been kind to me in sweet and beautiful ways.
• Sweet William is home from rehab and doing well.
• My body is strong for the age I am.

This is the Lord’s day.  We will drive to our church, fellowship with believers, hear the Word proclaimed, and worship together.  This is a gift that I will not take lightly.

Do not neglect giving thanks to the One who provides all, even the next breath.  He gives good gifts.  He gives what we need.  He gives strength for the journey.

Here’s another songs to set your toes tapping:  The Martins sing “Count Your Blessings.” 

And just because counting gifts brings joy . . .