Recently we had the opportunity to spend some time with friends in Nebraska. It is always good for the spirit to step away from our everyday life and take the time to just “be.” While the men did a little deer hunting, I did a lot of work and also a little counting. I spent some time, counting my blessings.
This time of year, Thanksgiving and Christmas particularly, our focus tends to be more on family and what we are thankful for than it usually is. And with the 2020 year coming to a close, it seems very fitting that we should be shifting our focus from the chaos and confusion of the past year and looking at it in different light.
I took some time, a few afternoons, to take a break from working and staring at a computer, and walk around the farm there in Nebraska. As I did I heard the words of the Lord ring clear, “Count your blessings.” Now, I know we all try to keep a grateful heart continually… but hearing God tell me to count my blessings caused me a bit of conviction. Had I not thanked Him today? Had I been too busy to focus on the good? What had I overlooked?
Life is so busy and full, that I have become very unaware and forgotten to see the good and the blessings in life. It has been especially easy for that to happen this year amongst the noise that 2020 has brought with it. Loss, fear, anxiety, and the tumult of controversy have all tried to be louder and claim my focus, as I am sure has been the same for all.
So as I walked around the farm there in Nebraska, I began to look for blessings. I first saw the grain bins full of corn. Then my eyes traveled to the empty and harvested fields. What a blessing that harvest was done and the bins were full. I then saw the cattle in the field. The cattle are allowed to graze and roam the harvested fields. They gain valuable nutrients from the stalks and corn that remain and the farmer has made the most of the field. What a blessing!
I then began to notice all of the equipment around the farm. Their size and what they accomplish amazed me. How different farming and harvest would be without them! Then I began to think about more than things. I thought of the sunrise that our youngest experienced in the woods while hunting. I pondered the icy trees and ground that husband sat amongst as he hoped for the trophy to walk by. I looked around me and I saw a family that simply said yes. They welcomed us into their hearts and home many years ago and soon they will travel to our neck of the woods as we welcome a daughter-in-law. Blessings!
I focused not on the loss of the year, but on the legacy she left for those who remain. I thought about the financial blessings of the year and not the forecasted and predicted crashes. I counted the health of those around me and not the sickness. I zoned in on the moments of laughter and not on the tears of sadness or the fear and panic that tried to take hold. Blessings!
“Blessings speak louder than fear, anxiety, and sadness. Blessings speak JOY.”
Daily. Every day. Not just once, but over and over, I have focused, pondered, and counted. My pastor said it recently, a shirt I bought said it, even an emailed devotion, all restated my focus. Count your blessings. Choose joy. Blessed.
God’s words in my ears, “Count your blessings,” constant reminders….He was focusing me, focusing my attention. He was reminding me that I have control over my mind and my thoughts. “For God has not given me a spirit of fear, but power, love and a sound mind!” 2 Timothy 1:7 Joy is my choice.
So friend, if you have found yourself living in anxiety, fear, sadness and such recently, can I tell you that you aren’t alone. All over the country and this world, there are millions who feel the same way. But I have found the antidote! All we need is a little deer hunting and time to count our blessings. You may not hunt, but you too can take some time away, even if it is just for an afternoon . Take the time to step away and focus. Take the time to hear from Him and then make your choice. Choose JOY. Choose to count your blessings and not the issues. Count your blessings and maybe enjoy a little deer hunting!
Everyday, not just on somedays…..
