"Count Your Blessings"

Long ago the pilgrims came to America in search of a new life with freedom of religion. During the long, hard journey they suffered sickness, starvation, even death. But still they celebrated that first year; thankful for food because they had been hungry, thankful for shelter be-cause they had endured the elements, thankful for safety for they had risked their lives in coming to the New World. They were thankful for life because many had died.

The pilgrims focused their attention on the giver of life, not their condition in life. Often we give thanks for the abundance of our possessions, focusing on our gifts, not on the giver. If we turn our attention to Jesus we will be able to give thanks in all things, even if our immediate situation is not all that we want. Our actions need to reflect our attitude about life. When we become preoccupied with our own disappointments, we are likely to miss all the blessings around us.

Each day this month let us give thanks for the things we take for granted.

Some examples:

For the wonderful place we have to worship

For family

For being able to smile

For children whose toys clutter the house

For a job

For the ability to forgive others because God first for-gave us

For a house to come home to

For friends

You can think of others.

“Sing”cerely,

Billy