count your blessings

I was driving home from an exhausting morning of dropping kids off at school, running errands, and fulfilling appointments. I passed a marquee on my route that displayed the simple phrase, “Count Your Blessings.” This is a phrase that I have heard many times in my life, but for the first time, I focused on what the words actually mean. I have always thought this phrase to mean that I should be grateful for what I have. It is often used when something bad has happened and in order to look at the bright side, I am reminded to count my blessings. However, on this sunny day, as I was tired and looking forward to reaching the home I share with my family, I thought about these words in a new way.

I began to inventory the positive things in my life. At the top of the list are the obvious blessings: my family. If I were making a list, my family alone would take up the first 50 spaces. Next would come the friends I have made along the way. In my lifetime, I have lived in 7 different towns or cities around the United States and spent a minimum of two months on three other continents. I have met a lot of people and am thrilled to say that there are many good people everywhere I have been privileged to visit. My health and the health of my husband, children, and parents are not to be under appreciated. There are so many people who are at this moment worrying about issues of life and death for a loved one. Finally, there are basic needs that are fundamental to existence: food, clothing, and shelter. My family is fortunate to be able to enjoy an evening meal together with plenty of food to fill our plates and bellies. Our closets are full of possibilities for approximately three weeks of outfit choices. Just over a year ago, we came to Maine to find a place to live and chose a house in which we envision our children growing up and eventually grandchildren roaming the halls.

It is important to take stock of the good things in our lives. On those days when I feel like things are not going my way, I can look at my growing list of things for which I am grateful. Take some time today to “Count your Blessings” and discover just how full of life and love you truly are!

Jennifer Tankersley is the creator of ListPlanIt where you can find 400 lists and planning pages including cleaning schedules, daily to do lists, grocery lists, holiday/party planning pages, and even a page to help you count your blessings.