If you have been following my “ramblings” <grin>, you will know that I love to read. Most of the books I read are Harlequin’s Love Inspired books, with a running thread of people who are struggling with their faith because of loss or disillusions. These books, of course, are fiction, but it is good to see the return of faith. In real life we know that it doesn’t always happen that way, but it can.
However, my topic today is “blessings“. I had no idea what or if I would be writing tonight until I came across a quote in the current book I am reading.
I don’t know what any of us deserves, but God, in His mercy, blesses us anyway.
These “blessings can be found just about anywhere, especially if you are looking. These next two photos were taken several years ago, but they were both blessings to me at the time and I still enjoy them.
It was early one fall evening, the sun was setting behind the huge oak tree. I just had to see how well I could capture it. (I was also just starting out on my photography venture).
The sunset turned out to be slightly less than I hoped it would be. However, when I brought the photo up on my computer I discovered that while I was focusing on the sunset, I had missed out on the beautiful reflection in front of the oak. As in this situation, many times in life we are focused one place and miss out on the blessings that are right in front of us. In this case, I can see God as the Mighty Oak, and myself as the puddle. Of course, the reflection is not always as clear as the one you see here, but that is something I need to work on every day of my life. So you see, this picture is a blessing of greater worth than just the first glance.
Now, in this next photo, it was a blustery, cold winter day. the snow was coming down and it was white all around. But there is a bright little blessing right in the middle of the shot.
I think that’s one thing I like about photography. I can (sometimes) capture those blessings and live them over and over. Both of these pictures have at one time been my favorites. I’m glad that a little quote in a romance novel (of all things) recalled them to my mind once again. I don’t think I have seen a robin in the middle of winter since. I thought, at one time, about making this into a Christmas card, but I never did it. Maybe next year.
So, you see, you never know where you are going to find a blessing, you never know when, and you never know how it is going to come. Sometimes, you don’t even know why. Maybe it is so you can share it with others? Thank you for letting me share with you!
Blessings, (count ‘em) [wasn't that in the stress reducer list?]
Wait! I can’t go yet – something else came to mind: (I took the liberty to change the chorus after verses 2,3 and 4 – we sang it this way when I was growing up)
Count Your Blessings (hymn)
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 hath done.
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings, see what God hath done!
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.
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 keep singing as the days go by.
Count your blessings, name them two by two,
Count your blessings, see what God can do!
Count your blessings, name them two by two,
Count your many blessings, see what God can do!
When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
Count your many blessings. Wealth can never buy
Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.
Count your blessings, name them four by four,
Count your blessings, there are millions more!
Count your blessings, name them four by four.
Count your many blessings, there are millions more!
So, amid the conflict whether great or small,
Do not be disheartened, God is over all;
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.
Count your blessings, name them eight by eight
Count your blessings, they are all so great!
Count your blessings, name them eight by eight,
Count your many blessings, they are all so great!
One, two, four, eight – they just keep multiplying. And if you start looking for them and counting them, God’s blessings will do the same for you.
May God bless each one of you.
Sharon
Sharon
