Count Your Blessings

 

Two weeks ago, I woke up with this hymn running through my head every morning; just the first and fourth verses. Contemplating the words, I decided my mother must be sending me a message from Heaven.

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 has done.

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’s end.

Text: Johnson Oatman Jr., 1856–1922            Music: Edwin O. Excell, 1851–1921

I have been using my hands for a lot of small muscle work lately; computer, cell phone texting, quilting, crocheting, etc. These things give me pleasure and help me create ways to give my love to others. However, repetitive small muscle movements do put a strain on arthritic wrists and fingers. One morning I couldn’t lift my left arm. I couldn’t wiggle my fingers. My husband had to dress me. It was so depressing and embarrassing! I had things I needed to do!

Following protocol for the situation, I used heat, ice, gentle exercise and rest. I read a lot of books. Visiting my hair stylist for a shorter, easier to handle haircut, I was telling her all the things I couldn’t do. She commiserated with me because of her carpel tunnel syndrome. As I turned to leave, I had a thought and said, “I’ve always put all these things in front of doing a painting. I’m going to paint.” “it’s a blessing!” As they say, when one door closes, open a window.

What do you do when someone or something prevents you or makes it difficult for you to accomplish your goal? Do the dark forces have their eye on you to discourage you from doing a good thing? What’s your backup plan?

In an old conference talk, Attitude of Gratitude, president Thomas S Monson said,

A popular refrain from the 1940s captured the thought:

Accentuate the positive;

Eliminate the negative.

Latch on to the affirmative;

Don’t mess with Mr. In-between

May your week be filled with love and gratitude as you go through your life.

This morning I woke up with my Social Security number running through my head. What do you suppose that means?