Day 29: About Giving Thanks

As an East Texas farmer, my Pa depended on God for everything. One year a cold snap at the wrong time had greatly diminished Pa’s crop of peaches and plums, a major source of his income. As a grade-schooler living near my grandparents, I carefully observed their responses to various situations. In spite of adversity, Pa seemed to view the bigger picture of life. He worked hard, but like the Apostle Paul, he also seemed content in his circumstances, whatever they might be. He acknowledged God’s goodness, and he never missed a day of thanking Him for His blessings. I often heard him say at the mealtime prayer: “Lord, give us grateful hearts for these and for all our many blessings.”

As I reflect on the life of my grandfather, I am grateful for his legacy of a thankful spirit. This old hymn captures the joy of counting blessings.

COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS
By Johnson Oatman, Jr. (1856-1922)

Are you ever burdened with a load of care
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,
And you will be singing as the days go by.
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.

From Eggstra Courage for the Chicken Hearted: More Humorous and Inspiring Stories for Confident Living