Counting Blessings

Jump to Comments

I’ve been so focused lately on everything that seems to be going wrong, that I’ve forgotten to be grateful for everything that is so very right in my life. One of the many good things in my life these days is my Bible study. We’re studying the gospel of John this year. I don’t care how many times one studies John, it’s always remarkable and fresh. This will be at least the fourth time I’ve studied this book in depth, and I can’t wait

In my small group yesterday, among other things, we discussed John 1:16, “From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another.” One woman suggested a “Blessings Journal.” During dinner, her family goes around the table, each proclaiming one blessing or something for which they are thankful from that day.

I wasn’t sure at all if this idea would work with the Konings, but I thought it was at least worth a try. Because I couldn’t find any of my glasses, Lily read John 1:16 aloud. I introduced the Blessings Journal idea by explaining how I’ve been so discouraged over our house repairs and huge, chaotic mess that I realized we needed to concentrate on all the many things for which we can be thankful, rather than on all our aggravations and trials. Lily immediately piped up, “At least we have a house. Lots of people in the world don’t even have homes.” Victory #1! Wow. We didn’t actually list our home as one of our blessings because the conversation unexpectedly revved up immediately.

Lily started: “Grace and Jacob and Elizabeth” (three dear friends). Paul was next: “My job,” for which we are all very grateful (Measurement Incorporated generously allowed Paul to take a 12-month leave of absence and return to his same position!). Silas began with”The video camera.” We just discovered our long lost video camera because Lily needs to make some sort of movie for school. Then he changed his answer to “Nano” (my mom; the name inexplicably evolved from “Mama Joan.”).  I knew it was entirely possible that Silas, generally the quirkiest in our tribe, would refuse to participate in our exercise in gratitude at all, but he continued, “food, Y-Guides (the YMCA-sponsored father-son program he and Paul participate in), Jacob and Kevin (two of his closest friends), Africa, Grandpa, Granddaddy, and America.” He gets the prize for the most thankful Koning, at least on Tuesday. The blessing I named (predictably) was “My family.” Lily added, “Your Bible study, because we wouldn’t have thought of this idea if you didn’t have your Bible study.” Wow! She really does get it. I added “Bible study” to the list.

Amazingly, our pursuit of thankfulness didn’t end with dessert. Lily asked me to type several school assignments that are due later this week. I didn’t inherit many of my mother’s truly exceptional qualities, but I did manage to acquire her lightening-speed typing ability. I whipped out eight pages* before Lily even realized I had started, “You’re my hero!” If typing was all it took to evoke that particular declaration, why haven’t I typed for her before now?! She went and found our Blessings Journal and added “Mommy.” Then she included “Daddy” (“because I don’t want to hurt his feelings.” Too bad he can’t type as fast as I can!).

I am reminded of the traditional hymn by Johnson Oatman. ~ cck

Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.
When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,

Refrain
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.

Refrain

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.

Refrain

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.

Refrain

* Just to clarify, I was copying Lily’s handwritten pages.

6 Comments

Filed under Bible, Carolyn’s posts, Family