During a recent fight through Atlanta traffic, I was listening to the radio and turned the dial to 101.1. It’s a station out of Ellijay, Georgia that plays southern gospel music during the day and country music at night. One simple and soulful song called “He’s Pouring Out Blessings” rang through my car speakers. It starts like this:
I woke up this morning and got out of bed; He poured out his blessings on me.
I went to the kitchen for my daily bread; He poured out his blessings on me.
I went out to get in my old Chevrolet; He poured out his blessings on me.
I was down at a job; it’s another payday; He poured out his blessings on me.
This song of thankfulness for some of the smallest things in life was a reminder I desperately needed. Of course I’m thankful for the big things. But how often do I overlook the small, seemingly simple things we take for granted?
When was the last time I was truly grateful for getting up in the morning?
Other than the sometimes obligatory or rehearsed prayer I say before a meal, when was the last time I sat down at a meal and was truly grateful just to I have something to eat?
When was the last time I was grateful for the car that I get to drive?
When was the last time I thanked God for my job? It seems like it’s far easier to voice my frustrations with my job rather than being grateful to have one.
So in this season of Thanksgiving, let’s not forget the blessings we often overlook.
This week, be grateful for the things you typically take for granted. American journalist Germany Kent famously said, “It’s a funny thing about life, once you begin to take note of the things you are grateful for, you begin to lose sight of the things that you lack.” In other words, when you appreciate what you have, you forget what you don’t.
Take a few minutes this week to make a list of things, big and small, for which you’re thankful.
