Counting Blessings

Psalm 103:1-5, “Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.
Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.”
I read an amusing story about a Baptist preacher who was asked to speak to a group of business men from his church. During his talk he held up a sheet of paper and put a dot in the center of the paper. He then asked, “What do you see?” After a short silence one man spoke up, “I see a black dot.” “Great”, the preacher said “what else do you see?” Silence filled the room. As the preacher gazed around the room looking at each man he said, “I am really surprised none of you have seen the most important thing of all, the sheet of paper.”
We are most often focused on the small dot-like disappointments rather on the large blessings we receive from the Lord. My son while in the doctor’s office overheard a conversation between two senior citizens. Both man appeared to be suffering from age and other ailments. One asks the other how he was doing, the reply I am thankful the Lord gave me another day to see the sun rise. Neither man looked to be in great physical condition but one was looking at the blessings not at the disappointments. How often do we forget the innumerable blessings we receive from the Lord? How often do we see only the dot and not the sheet of paper? Yes we all do it and we all forget how great God really is to us. Just how much He cares for us and how we are blessed by His mighty hand. Do you look forward to seeing another sun rise or complain about having to get out of bed? Are you thankful you can even get out of bed and stand upright on the floor? How many blessings can you count today? Try it you might be surprised how many you have.
I am reminded about a simple bit of advice, “As you travel down life’s pathway, may this ever be your goal: Keep your eye upon the doughnut, and not on the hole.”
Instead of concentrating on the trials and tribulations of life, we should fix our gaze and concentration upon the blessings. Like the elder gentleman are we thankful to just get to see another sun rise? Or are we airing our complaints instead of counting our blessings?
“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.” ---Oatman