Counting One’s Blessings
When counting one’s blessings, it can be easy to throw out the usual—I’m thankful for food, I’m thankful for family, etc.—and be done with it.
To be sure, I am thankful for those things, but I’m going to be honest; I also take much for granted. Often, I think I don’t realize what I have until it’s gone. This can happen with the most minor of things. My favorite shirt gets a stain on it. I leave my phone at home and must do without it.
My 16-year-old daughter loves Christmas decorating. She just put up her miniature Christmas tree and lovingly placed it on her dresser. It was beautifully 
decorated with miniature bulb ornaments. Then one day, she came home from school to find that the cat had knocked the tree over and broke the tree topper. Bummer.
Sometimes we don’t realize how much we love something until it’s gone. In 2003, I lost my mother to cancer. Time has healed a lot, but I still hurt for this loss. I wish I could talk to her. I am thankful to have had such a great mom. However, in the void of her loss, I have a realized a new treasure in the relationships I share with my siblings Now, my sisters and I support each other and have great friendships. I am thankful for them.
If I lift my head up from the worries of everyday life, I see a world of great blessing. However, we aren’t in Heaven yet and life can be down-right hard at times. That’s why most of all I am thankful for hope. I am thankful that no matter the season or circumstance, I have a God who loves me. I have a God who understands, because He has walked this earth Himself. And I have a God who is preparing a place for me where there will be no more sin and no more sorrow. One of my favorite things from the Bible is the constant reminder that He is mine and I am His.
Revelation 21: 3-5 says, ‘And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away. He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!”’
Confidence in this truth gives me peace and comfort that helps me enjoy this life that He has given me.
Julie Howard has been with SSI since 1998! She has been married to her husband Kevin since 1995, and they have 2 children, Evan and Kaitlyn. Julie enjoys bike riding and spending time with family. She loves the simple things in life,like going to the beach or spending time with family and friends.
Disclaimer: The views presented in this blog are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the position of the Student Statesmanship Institute. SSI is a non-profit educational organization and provides this blog as a platform for those who have been involved in our program to engage and share thoughts related to current events, issues of the day, and personal experiences, but does not necessarily endorse the content therein.
