My Christmas Cactus has done it once again this fall. It is full of buds and blossoms; red ones and white ones. This year I’m calling it my blessing cactus. I have counted 106 blossoms and buds. For each one I’m writing blessing (things I’m grateful or thankful for). I have a feeling I will run out of numbers before I run out of blessings. The buds are yet to open. That just means to me the Lord has more blessings in store for me; but isn’t that just like our wonderful Lord?
In these crazy days we are living in, I’d like to encourage each of you to do the same thing. Let’s not focus on the troublesome or discouraging things, but be thankful for all the Lord has blessed us with.
You probably know the words to this great hymn, “Count Your Blessings:”
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.
Are you ever burdened with a load or care? Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear? Count your many blessings ev’ry doubt will fly, And you will be singing as the days go by.
When you look at others with their lands and gold, Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold, Count your many blessings money cannot buy Your reward in heaven nor your home on high.
So amid the conflict, whether great or small, Do not be discouraged God is over all; Count your many blessings angels will attend, Help and comfort give you to your journey’ end.
Chorus: Count your blessings name them one by one; Count your blessings–see what God hath done; Count your blessings–name them one by one; Count your many blessings–see what God hath done.
All thanks and praise goes to our precious Lord.
“Blessed be the Lord, who daily loads us with benefits (blessings), even the God of our salvation.” Psalm 68: 19
How many blessings can you count?