A Thanksgiving tradition in one church I served, was for Children to sing “Count your blessings one by one,” as they carried food collected for the food shelf to the front of the church and placed it on the altar.  The song would continue  while children circled the sanctuary, until they had collected the last item.  I was always enchanted by the smiles of the children, while words of the song reminded me to take stock of my blessings.

We can live through tough  times.  People we love die, jobs are lost, troubled relationships and painful diagnoses color our world. We are anxious for loved ones facing uncertain futures. Demands of job and family create stress.  When life is harsh, it can be hard to count blessings.

The last two years have been difficult for my family. Still, there have been blessings in this year. I think of the compassion of a faith community I’d served twenty years ago, who in our need,  opened doors and made space for us. I’m grateful for the love of my children and their families.  I think of friends who offer a place to share the journey and of people who listen with understanding. I give thanks for God’s presence and loving care on hard days.   I treasure prayers of friends.

The Apostle Paul expresses his joy that God’s love is reaching him through old friends. He writes to the people of Thessalonica, “During all our distress and persecution we have been encouraged about you through your faith . . . How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy that we feel before God because of you?” 1 Thessalonians 3:7,9

Paul recognized the good which God was doing in his life. He valued the prayers of his friends. He cherished memories of special moments. He rejoiced, that even in times of suffering, he was touched by  God’s love through the care of friends.

God’s care reaches us in a multitude of ways, unique to each of our needs. May this week of Thanksgiving offer you places and times to reflect on the blessings that are yours.

A version of this post was previously published as “Counting Blessings One By One” on November 6, 2017