Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep

Present blessings, something to count while trying to go to sleep. As you review the list in your head it can be a much more pleasant experience than simply counting sheep or taking a pill. I chose this quote because today our house was cleaned by someone other than me and my husband. I ran errands and came home to clean floors, bathrooms and carpets all of which I did not do myself. It is a true blessing and the best mental health insurance money can buy.

As I got ready for bed I thought about all the other blessings we have especially the simple ones – electricity, a safe place to live, enough food to eat, healthy bodies, loving family and friends, something to do and fun things to create. I could go on and on which is the whole point, isn’t it? We go through the day not realizing how important and blessed it is to have a safe car to drive, clean water to drink, a refrigerator, a washer and dryer, clothes to choose from and animals as companions. When you get started counting your blessings it is humbling, overwhelming and changes your attitude instantly.

Counting your blessings also reminds you that not everyone has what you have. The list of those in need for just life sustaining basics is staggering so this process also reminds you that no matter how your day went, how you like your current job or any other minor challenge, it IS a MINOR challenge! If you have to think about your needs and think hard, then you really have no needs.

I pray that this social distancing time builds within us a better attitude of gratitude for the things we have, the present blessings we overlook, and increases our awareness of how precious life is for everyone on this planet. It will only be out of our individual abundance in service and gifts that others are lifted from their present circumstances. So tonight as you begin to close your eyes in your safe bed with a full stomach, give thanks for your present blessings.