Blessings

We should all count our blessing each and every day - but it seems that we tend  to think of it more around Christmas. 
I read so much on FB about how awful life is, how sad people are, how they just don't know how they can deal with more, etc..  The thing is I know most of these people, and it makes me so sad that they concentrate on tiny things in their lives, when they really do have so much to be thankful for.

I try to thank the good Lord every day just for waking up each morning and giving me another chance on this big old Earth.  I am thankful for my family (regardless how dysfunctional some are!), I am thankful for the roof over my head, for heat, for food on my table (regardless as to how simple it may be), for health, for my sweet fur babies, and for my great neighbors.
Mostly I am thankful for the birth of Jesus Christ and His promises for us.

This year, I, as have many, have had many heartaches and upsets.  People have gone on to their new 'forever' lives, people have gone through illnesses and loss of their normalcy.  Despite all of that, I am forever grateful, because God gave me the capability to have MEMORIES! 

What a treasured gift that is.  Forever in our minds we can have our parents, grandparents, siblings, spouses, etc.  Forever we can have in our minds the simple lives we lived as children, and the wonders of those many special Christmas's past.  I love having my memories and I love being able to dream of those that are no longer on this Earth.
Yes, I look at those things as blessings.  Everyday is a new blessing to me.

This morning a lady rang my doorbell, and she was holding a wet and snowy $100 bill.  She asked me if I had lost it, as she found it on our front walk by the street.  I was amazed at that - as most people would not have asked.  I told her no, as much as I would have loved it to be.  Her eyes got wide and she smiled and said - "You mean it's mine?".  I told her congrats and told her that this must be her lucky day.  Her answer, "Oh, what a blessing".
Yes, yes it was.  She sure looked like she could use the money, and I haven't quit smiling all morning!  (I received a blessing of her sweet spirit).

So the next time you get down or frustrated - stop and think and take a look around.  You are receiving blessings large and small each day, each hour of each day, and each moment of each hour.  The fact that you are reading this is a blessing.  You have learned, you can read, you have the equipment to read it, etc.

                                                Christmas years ago at Mom and Daddies
                                                      What wonderful memories of family

My wish this Christmas is that everyone will take the time to count ALL their blessings large and small.
Thank you to all my friends here.  It is wonderful to be able to share with you and to learn from one another.  You are all blessings in my life.  Yes, indeed. 

God bless you all.
MERRY CHRISTMAS