Thank you, one and all who read this blog! I am humbled and I never take you for granted. My apologies for the big gap in posting. I've been fighting a virus that morphed into a nasty case of bronchitis.
Sometimes life feels as flat as a soda that's lost its fizz.
That mood can strike any of us, any time of the year, even though what's in our "glass" remains the same. Yet we see emptiness, not fullness.
We call it as we see it, not as it is.
We do that with family members and friends, too, and see only their faults. We say, "Well, nobody's perfect and nobody's life is perfect, but . . ."
That little voice asks, Couldn't my life be a bit, um, more? Couldn't that other person change just a little bit? If only . . .
I've learned it's risky to hang around too long in the land of "If only."
My friend, Ginny, never goes there. She has a basketful of problems, but you'd never guess. Ask her how she's doing and she usually replies, "Great! If my life got any better, I couldn't stand it!"
Ask her to elaborate and she'll say, "Well, I'm still breathing in and out. I can get around on my own steam and my mind still works. I can see, even if I do need Coke-bottle eyeglasses to do it. I have a roof over my head and I eat pretty regularly. I'm part of a church family, where we love the Lord and we love each other. Best of all, I know Jesus loves me and watches over me, so I am rich."
Every time Ginny repeats all the reasons she has to be thankful it reinforces in her mind that she's blessed and shifts her thinking to what's good and right and true.
Sounds too simple? Most great truths are.
What if you and I counted our blessings not just on Thanksgiving, but every day of the year? Suppose we gave up harping on what's wrong and bemoaning what's missing and deliberately focused on what's good. Picture starting each day with, "Thank you, Lord, for this day and for for every blessing. Thank you for promising to be with me every minute. Guide me and use me, I pray."
Think how it could affect our marriages, our family relationships and friendships.
Researchers say don't stop there
Don't take my word for it. A Texas Tech University study proved the value of counting our blessings and then counting them again. They divided study participants into two groups with similar life situations. Those who frequently and deliberately took time to re-appreciate the good in their lives scored themselves as happier than those who didn't.
Researchers concluded that counting our blessings--over and over--reminds us of their value and helps us stay contented.
Our perception of life depends on where we look.
Most of all it helps if we take our eyes off the gifts and focus on the Giver. He's the real source of life in our life. Here are some verses to get us started.
The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song. --Psalm 28:7
So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught and overflowing with thankfulness. --Colossians 2:6-7
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. --1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
May you have blessings too numerous to count this Thanksgiving and every day, my friends!
Lovingly,
Lenore
Thanks, Elizabeth, it's good to be back at it. Happy Thanksgiving to you, too!
Posted by: Lenore Buth | November 24, 2011 at 10:44 AM
Glad you are back to blogging, Lenore. I've missed your wisdom and insights. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and keep your eyes on Jesus!
Posted by: Elizabeth M. Thompson | November 23, 2011 at 11:34 PM