Well, things are a mess out there!
But, I'm in here - and I have a mess of blessings!
A few weeks ago, during a private music lesson, my student and I were discussing how to deal with life when everything is a mess. She had a hard time believing me when I told her that no matter what was happening she still had control over some things - like her reactions. No matter what is happening on the outside, YOU are the only one with control over how YOU react to what is happening. You can not always control what is happening. But you don't have to give over control of how you react.
And in this time of a global pandemic, I can not control many aspects of my life right now.
But I can control how I react.
I can choose to give up or become anxious or angry. But none of those choices will help me at this time.
So I choose to focus on the blessings that I have.
And I have so many blessings!
There is an old gospel hymn, "Count Your Blessings". The words to this hymn have sustained me many times over the years when despair has threatened to overtake me. Johnson Oatman, Jr., wrote the words over 100 years ago, and they still ring true today.
1st verse: When upon life's billows 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.
2nd verse: Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings; every doubt will fly.
And you will be singing as the days go by.
3rd verse: When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you his wealth untold.
Count your many blessings; money cannot buy
Your reward in heaven nor your home on high.
4th verse: 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.
So, in no particular order, here are some of my blessings that I count today:
But, I'm in here - and I have a mess of blessings!
A few weeks ago, during a private music lesson, my student and I were discussing how to deal with life when everything is a mess. She had a hard time believing me when I told her that no matter what was happening she still had control over some things - like her reactions. No matter what is happening on the outside, YOU are the only one with control over how YOU react to what is happening. You can not always control what is happening. But you don't have to give over control of how you react.
And in this time of a global pandemic, I can not control many aspects of my life right now.
But I can control how I react.
I can choose to give up or become anxious or angry. But none of those choices will help me at this time.
So I choose to focus on the blessings that I have.
And I have so many blessings!
There is an old gospel hymn, "Count Your Blessings". The words to this hymn have sustained me many times over the years when despair has threatened to overtake me. Johnson Oatman, Jr., wrote the words over 100 years ago, and they still ring true today.
1st verse: When upon life's billows 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.
2nd verse: Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings; every doubt will fly.
And you will be singing as the days go by.
3rd verse: When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you his wealth untold.
Count your many blessings; money cannot buy
Your reward in heaven nor your home on high.
4th verse: 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.
So, in no particular order, here are some of my blessings that I count today:
- I have a loving family
- I have a safe home with a comfortable bed
- I work with the motto, "Be Prepared", so my pantry stays stocked for times like these
- Music is ALWAYS available - I have my flutes, a piano, a ukelele, a guitar, a digiridoo, various rhythm instruments, and my voice
- My husband is capable of taking care of many of the repairs on our home
- The 3 of us living in this home at this time know how to get along with each other and enjoy being together
- Modern technology has given us many outlets to be together - even when we are apart
- I have a loving Savior and there is no power greater in all the earth
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