Monday, February 27, 2023

Extremely Blessed


I participated in a conversation recently where someone said, "we are extremely blessed." That phrase got me thinking as I sometimes think we equate blessing with financial prosperity or being able to do whatever we want, synonymous with living the good life. We equate blessing with pleasure.

The person who mentioned being extremely blessed by all outward appearances did not appear that way. He wasn't flashy, didn't own a big house, or drive a fancy car. But he had his health, he had a wife who stuck with him, he had children that were doing well, his job situation was in transition, and most importantly, he had a heart for the Lord, which was evident in everything he did. He had taken to heart Proverbs 3:5,6. He recognized that being blessed was more than just things but about reaping the benefits of being in the right relationship with God.

This is a short but sweet post to remember how blessed we truly are. Waking up is a gift that we are given every day. That alone is a reason to feel extremely blessed and to build from there. These days, I spend a lot of time thinking about my mom and wishing she were here. When I really got to know my mom, I began to understand that her life was not idyllic, yet she made an effort to count her blessings. She'd just start singing, "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 has done." The entire hymn can be found here.

My mom had a heavenly perspective that I try to mimic the longer I live. Not only do I try to mimic her perspective, but I try to live it so that it's who I am.

Lord, who is like you among the gods? Who is like you, glorious in holiness, revered with praises, performing wonders?
With your faithful love, you will lead the people you have redeemed; you will guide them to your holy dwelling with your strength. Exodus 15:11,13

We are more blessed than we know. Let's not take it for granted but find time daily to have hearts of gratitude.
These verses are an excerpt from the song of praise the Israelites sang after they were miraculously delivered from Egypt.



5 comments:

  1. Thank you for this reminder. There is so much to give God thanks for, amidst our pain and struggles. Today, I am enjoying God's beautiful creation, as I sit outside in my backyard, listening to varying sounds and taking in the sights around me -- birds chirping and flying over head, leaves rustling in the breeze, planes and helicopters flying above...

    Thank you Jesus for the gift of life. Amen.

    James 1:17
    Psalm 136

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  2. It's a good reminder to take a moment each day to count our blessings. I am acutely aware of them when I'm out in nature looking at the sky, the scenery, the plants. Thanks for linking

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  3. How right you are! This is such a great reminder of our blessings!

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  4. This reminds me of the verse that says when God blesses, He adds no sorrow with it. I think that is a very different kind of blessing than what we usually think of as you pointed out.

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  5. Nylse, this is so true. So beautifully spoken.
    Thank you for sharing this with Sweet Tea & Friends this month dear friend.

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