Counting Blessings Amid Disappointments

It’s so easy to allow the disappointments in a day to block my mind to the day’s blessings. That is the main reason that, about seven years ago, I began to end my night with “thank you’s” for the good that happened during the day. It is a challenge some days to find that good, but it is always there. Sometimes, I must rely on basics - a working washer and dryer in the mobile home so I no longer have to trudge several buildings away (or even several blocks away) to do laundry; a warm, dry place to sleep, food during the day as it was needed.

Today, I have several blessings to be thankful for. A new friend and old neighbor blessed me with some financial help to get over a bump or two. Payback will be easy for me to handle. More than that, the fact that this person cared and shared is heartwarming.

Another blessing will arrive tomorrow but I heard about it today. One of our community residents brings day-old bread at times to our park. Tomorrow, he hopes to bring a few turkeys, and I’ve heard that I might receive one. Even if I do not, the thought that someone cared enough to consider us definitely warms my heart.

These blessings covered my disappointment today. I had announced a Publication Party to celebrate my paperback, The Busy Person’s Prayer Book. I invited fellow residents for refreshments. I also announced I would have a drawing for door prizes and would give away three books as gifts. I spent money on refreshments that could have been used other ways. The bottom line is that nobody showed up. I am well able to handle rejection but I felt sad about spending funds that were needed.

This was an unusual day because of the type of blessings, but again, I never fail to find one when I close my eyes at night. Hot and cold running water. Eyes that can see and ears that can hear. There are uncountable blessings and I love re-discovering them at the end of my day.

Father, thank you so much for the joys of this day, and help me, please, to never go to sleep without remembering the blessings you have given me each day.