I’m not a math person.
Start talking about any kind of math — algebra, geometry, statistics — and there’s instant white noise in my head.
“I’m sorry but I can’t hear you any longer . . . “
But the challenge of counting my blessings? That’s the kind of math I want to conquer.
Counting blessings … that should be simple enough, right?
But I think it’s all too easy to overlook our blessings — all the reasons we have to be grateful during any given day. We’re focused on all the things we have to do — the all important tasks at hand. Or we’re recounting the frustrations piling up. The perceived injustices — or the actual ones. The missed opportunities. The failures. The “no’s” and the “nots” instead of the “yes’s” and the “you mays.”
But here’s the thing: when we make the simple choice to count one blessing, we more easily see a second, and then a third . . . and the hardest arithmetic becomes easier and easier.
In Your Words: Let’s count blessings today! What’s a blessing you’d like to share with us? I’m blessed by every single person who joins in the conversation here. I’m also blessed by my early morning walks each day — they are such a great way to begin each day. Okay, counting 1 and 2 …
In Others' Words: The Hardest Arithmetic http://bit.ly/2MsAUGE #quotes #gratitude Click To Tweet 'The hardest arithmetic to master is that which enables us to count our blessings.' http://bit.ly/2MsAUGE #Quote by Eric Hoffer #blessings Click To Tweet
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Comments 13
There are too many blessings to count, but Beth…you are very high on that list. Your friendship has made such a difference for me, the difference between defeat and victory, between hope and despair…
Guess what I’m really trying to say, Beth, is that while you were holding onto Jesus with one hand, you extended the other one out to me, and I’ll never forget.
Author
Andrew:
I’m thankful that I’ve offered hope to you. Know that I count you a friend — and that I count your friendship a blessing, too.
First off, as Andrew said, there really are too many to count. Your written words are a blessing though! I have always been encouraged by them but meeting you in person…wow. THAT was a blessing I will never forget. Of course, my husband is my biggest earthly blessing. He knows when I need encouragement and even when I need admonishment. Ooooh….can I say that’s a blessing? Yep. Sure can. And my children…always, even in spite of the pain, they bless me. Oh, today, the roofers are a huge blessing! They finally showed up and now we won’t have anymore leaks! YaY!!! 🙂
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Anne: Our meeting was a blessing I still remember with a smile. 🙂 And yes, roofers, even with all their noise, are a blessing, too.
I love the reality of what Andrew said. There’s a simple old Sunday School chorus you may know, “Count your blessings, count them one by one. Count your blessings, see what God has done. Count your blessings, count them one by one. And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.”
Recalling the blessings and answers He’s already given does fuel our faith and momentum for knowing He continues providing more.
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Yes, Dee, recalling God’s blessings and answers to our prayers does fuel our faith. I think of the places in Scripture where it talks about recalling what God has done. (Psalm 77:11; Deuteronomy 8:2)
Oh. I LIKE this extravagantly.
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Renee — Yes, let’s be extravagant with this kind of math! I’m all in! 🙂
You. You are my blessing in this moment. I give thanks for your words and books and authors who take me around the world. Those who God uses to encourage me daily. Thanks
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Mary — Your words blessed me today. Thank you. 🙂
Blessed that even when there is a crisis going on around me, I can count on the Lord to pull me through.
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Such a wonderful truth, Denise. Thanks for the reminder – a needed one today.