Count Your Many Blessings...

Today is the day.

Thanksgiving has finally arrived and we can all go about eating turkey, yams, potatoes, pumpkin pie, and all manner of deliciousness.

Today, while we celebrate this holiday, I'm grateful for the things that got me where I am in life.

My Trials.

I'm thankful that I've gone through some hard times.
That I am going through some hard times.
That I will go through some hard times.

It's a never ending cycle of life.

Without these Trials that we experience, how would we appreciate the things we have or love?

I'm thankful to know that my Heavenly Father has a plan for me and that plan includes being given tests which are able to make me a stronger and better person.

I'm thankful that our Heavenly Father trusted us enough to know that no matter what Trial we would experience we can handle it.

People are always looking for an easy route out of their problems.
There is one.
It's not always fun and it might take awhile, but it definitely is the best.
Endurance.
Faith.
Hope.

Especially when I'm experiencing a Trial or just a plain difficult time, I like the hymn, "Count Your Blessings."
(When you get to the link, look under Hymns and select Words and Music to hear a choir singing along with music)

1. When upon life’s billows you are tempest-tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings; name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.

[Chorus]
Count your blessings;
Name them one by one.
Count your blessings;
See what God hath done.
Count your blessings;
Name them one by one.
Count your many blessings;
See what God hath done.

2. Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings; ev’ry doubt will fly,
And you will be singing as the days go by.

3. When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you his wealth untold.
Count your many blessings; money cannot buy
Your reward in heaven nor your home on high.

4. So amid the conflict, whether great or small,
Do not be discouraged; God is over all.
Count your many blessings; angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.

Take a moment today, in amongst all that delectable food, and think of all the things you have been blessed with and be thankful for the Trials that enabled you to have them.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!