Somewhere early in life, I started counting my blessings. Maybe it was because when I was young, my mother always used to say “honey, gratitude is riches, and complaint is poverty.” Even when things got tough, I knew she was right. Counting blessings eventually became a special habit for me. This was reinforced in me when I lived in Manhattan, and attended Alanon meetings. I often heard people share about being sincerely grateful for things most folks take for granted, like healthy arms and legs, good vision, clean water and basic electricity.
Seeing the glass half full comes naturally to me. I seek it out and soak it in. I like to let my mind rest in the good things that surround me. I try to help my friends see the good in any situation, no matter what. That’s just the way God made me.
For many years, when I couldn’t let sleep, my favorite way to relax my mind was to lay in bed and count my blessings. I start with the letter A and try to go through the whole alphabet. With each letter, I try to think of as many people, places and or things that I am truly grateful for. One by one, I say thank you to the Lord, and peace washes over me. I usually fall asleep before the letter M. Now I’ve taught my son Jack to do this if ever he can’t sleep. He told me just the other day, he did this the other night, and it worked.
But my capacity for gratitude significantly changed ten years ago when I got saved. The joy that came with my salvation is by far the absolute greatest blessing of my life. The relationship I have with my heavenly father brings the sweetest peace I have even known. It comforts and settles me, and eases my fears. The Holy Spirit guides my steps, counsels my decisions, and spurs me on to good works. Gratitude melts my heart when the Lord speaks to me through His activity, His word, and His people.
“And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you,
because you obey the voice of the Lord your God.” –Deut. 28:2
My walk with Christ has brought me a harvest of blessings. Too numerous to count. But I still count my blessings from A to Z whenever I can’t sleep at night, only now J is for Jesus, S is for Salvation and W is for the Word.
I love the idea of A to Z blessings when we can’t sleep. I’m going to try it! Perfect for all ages too. My girls, 8 and 10, love this suggestion!
One of my sleepless night routines… I say the Our Father, word by word, super slowly meditating on each word. There is a lot to think about just in the words “Our and Father”. I’m usually asleep before I finish the prayer!
I am so blessed to hear your beautiful idea for slowly meditating on that prayer to help you fall back asleep. I think I might try this on nights when I
my mind is in overdrive! Thank you for sharing. Blessings and grace to you my friend!