In 2023, we have seen rising inflation, higher mortgage rates, higher food prices, higher utility bills, and the brutal, unconscionable acts of cowardly terrorists, who kidnapped and or murdered innocent men, women, and children, along with the words and actions of people who actually supported these terrorists, it is kind of hard to find something to be thankful for. But if we clear our hearts and minds maybe there is indeed something to be thankful for.

Another day of life.
Your children who are happy and healthy.
Your spouse.
Food on your table.
A job.
Good health.
God’s love and blessings.
God’s Word and Sacraments.
A place to worship.
Friends who are there to support and care for you.
A hug from a family member when you are in need.
A moment when you laughed so hard, tears came to your eyes.
A gentle rain, the blooming of the flowers, the shade from a tree, a snow storm that let you stay home so you could sit and relax with the family.
The green fields of spring which turn into a bountiful harvest in the fall.
 

If you are struggling to find something to be thankful for, perhaps it’s because you just haven’t really opened your heart. Maybe it’s because you think you are in control of everything and you have come to the realization that there is very little that you actually can control. Maybe if you sit back and think of all the things that could have gone wrong but didn’t, you will realize that you have so much to be thankful for.
 

The old song says, “Count your blessings, name them one by one. Count your many blessings and see what God has done.” Tonight ,when your head hits the pillow, and you are worrying about all that you have to do in the days ahead, instead just lie there and count your blessings. If you do that, you will be amazed at how much better you sleep.
 

Veritas - Curt