~~~Quote of the Day~~~

If you don't like something change it; if you can't change it, change the way you think about it.

"Mary Engelbreit"

My Perspective

Count your Blessings

If you have been following my articles lately, you will notice they all carry a message promoting positive living. This month I would like to remind us, the importance of being grateful.
I have been told that I can be, "too nice." That my "thank yous" are over done. In other words I am overkill! After turning to the scriptures and reading "And be kind to one another, tenderhearted forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you." ( Ephesians 4:32) I came to the conclusion that, in this world one can never be too nice, too thankful and there is no such thing as overkill when it comes to gratefulness! In my opinion this weary old world needs heaps and heaps of it!
Many years ago when I would drive my children to school, I would often provide a "food for thought" idea for them to consider. I remember teaching them, when looking ahead and setting goals to remember to always look back and realize those that are less fortunate. In doing this they would then appreciate their lives. I also quoted the following verses many times to them: "It is better to give than receive." (Acts 20:35) "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." (Luke 6:31) One of my favorites was a Persian proverb: " I complained I had no shoes, until I met a man who had no feet." My goal was to train my children to be grateful and to count their blessings. In doing so I hoped to promote positive living.
I have found that, in fact hardship is sometimes the path to gratitude. Through my battle with MS I have learned to be thankful for all the things I can still do. When I was diagnosed, I spent most of my energy complaining and feeling sorry for myself. I must admit I still get upset over the things I can no longer do. The trick is, I no longer allow my grief to consume my thoughts each day. I also made a willful choice to be grateful for each day and discover new things that I can do. We all have the choice of being grateful when meaningful situations arise. We alike can learn to be grateful at all times no matter the situation. If we were to direct our thoughts on the blessings in our lives, we would end up complaining less. We would be choosing, to be, a winner not a whiner.
We are goal seeking, and achievement oriented people. Nothing wrong with that. Except when it takes over your life to the point that you start taking for granted your blessings. All blessings are the gifts of God’s grace. We should make a daily conscious consideration of our blessings and I think we will notice them taking on a greater presence which in turns will promote positive living.
Count your blessings instead of your crosses;Count your gains instead of your losses.
Count your joys instead of your woes;Count your friends instead of your foes.
Count your smiles instead of your tears;Count your courage instead of your fears.
Count your full years instead of your lean;Count your kind deeds instead of your mean.
Count your health instead of your wealth;Love your neighbor as much as yourself.
" Author Unknown"