Way back when I was young, our churches used the hymnal – Hymns of Glorious Praise Like your favorite Bible verse, I can tell you many of the songs we sang simply by its number. # 309 is Count Your Blessings. I didn’t look it up. Trust me.

The first verse says…

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.

The song was written by Johnson Oatmen in 1897. I did look that up.

I was reminded of the song earlier this week when I received a note from one of the Discipleship ministries we support- Living on the Edge.

How many times have you wished someone a “Happy Thanksgiving”? This morning I met a lady who said she had no reason to be thankful. Her face reflects the fact that she is one of the unhappiest people I see from week to week. I know she lost a son earlier this year and she has been “discouraged, thinking all is lost”. So, this morning I asked here to think about what she does have to be thankful for in her life. After a moment, she responded, “My family.”

How many of us get bogged down in loss and fail to be thankful for what or who remains?

Next Thursday, we’ll celebrate Thanksgiving. Start today and make a list. Count your Blessings. I think you’ll be surprised at the list.