Counting Blessings

Hello all! Can you believe the Christmas season is already upon us?

As I write this post, I'm shocked by how quickly this year has passed. I mean, wasn't I just dragging a Christmas tree out to the curb yesterday? Yet again I find myself marveling at the trickiness of time. Oh, how easily I fall prey to the mundane, silliness of every day life, losing the all important point of why I'm really here and all that I'm supposed to accomplish. This escaped year leaves me feeling as if I've fallen flat on my face, disappointed with all that I've failed to do. (Things I won't waste your time listing out here.)

I think it's safe to say that we're all aware this time of year is renowned for leaving a good many people bluesy. The culprit? Stress, self-reflection, fatigue, unrealistic expectations, financial problems, inability to be with family and friends--the list is long.

Do you get a little bluesy around the holidays?

Unfortunately, I myself am as susceptible as the next gal. Why just a few nights ago, I found myself sitting with my two year old in my lap, this gloomy mentality in place, staring mindlessly at the television. I was thinking lofty, dark thoughts, praying that God send me a sign that I'm on the right track. Yes, it was one of those moments. You know the kind. Where you're making deals and begging for proof that no believer should ever request. After all, isn't faith supposed to embody the whole 'lack of proof' mentality? Believing what we cannot see, simply because? So, after I sent up this rather preposterous prayer (that I immediately felt about the size of a gnat for composing), my 2 y/o waved his arm in such a way as to make my eyes focus on the TV where a song currently played on the 'Holidays and Happenings' music channel.

To my surprise, the name of the song was: "Count Your Blessings Instead." (I guess due to space constraints, the rest of the title had been left off) It took me a few seconds to absorb the meaning. Could this be the Sign I had so desperately needed? Maybe. Maybe not. But I'll tell you something: In that moment I did begin to count my blessings, listing each one out: Health, family, friends, shelter...etc. And as the list grew, I found I felt better. A lot better.

So my gift to you, dear readers, is this little piece of advice. If you find yourself overwhelmed, sad, or lonely this holiday season, remember to take a moment to recognize all that is good in your life. In fact, while you're at it, why don't you go ahead and forget about the rest. Dump that life sucking negativity like it's a hot cross bun, count those blessings instead. Can't think of any? How about the fact that you're breathing, that you're educated enough to read this, that you're free. I bet you'll find things aren't nearly as bad as you thought.

Hope you have a safe and spectacular holiday season. See you back here in January.



(Disclaimer: If you think you might suffer from severe depression, please, please, seek professional help.)