We've all been there, in one of those times when our life feels as flat as a soda that's lost its fizz.
The dark mood hangs on, even though nothing in our lives has changed. Our "glass" is as full today as it was yesterday. Last week. Last month.
Yet we see emptiness, not fullness.
That's because we call it as we see it at the moment, not as it is.
It's not helpful that we may do that with our family members and friends, too. We become blind to their good points and see only their faults.
We look at our lives and say, "Well, nobody's life is perfect, but ..."
Then that little voice inside asks, Couldn't my life be a bit, um, more? Couldn't that other person change just a little bit? If only ....
Trust me, it's risky to hang around too long in the land of "If only."
I know a woman, let's call her Ginny, and I doubt she ever goes there. She has a pile 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 am breathing in and out--and that's a good thing. My arms and legs get me around, no help needed, and my mind works just fine. So do my eyes, even if I do need Coke-bottle eyeglasses to see well. I have a roof over my head and I eat 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 see myself as rich."
It took me awhile to understand that every time Ginny repeats all the reasons she has to be thankful it reinforces in her mind that she is blessed and it shifts her thinking to what's good and right and true.
Does that 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 is good. Saying it out loud helps, too, even if there's no one else around.
Picture starting each day with, "Thank you, Lord, for this day and for every blessing in my life. Thank you for promising to be with me every minute. Guide me and use me, I pray, and get me through this day."
Think how that simple change could improve our marriages, our family relationships and our 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.
This turned out to be a genius way to prove that even such a simple practice made a huge difference. The folks 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.
As the song says,
"Count your blessings, name them one by one . . .
"And it will surprise you what the Lord has done."
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 is the real source of life in our life.
Here are some verses to help us 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
Why not give it a try?
This Thanksgiving and every day may you have blessings too numerous to count--and may you have eyes to see them!
Wishing you joy,
Lenore
