Dear Friends, In the 1990’s an updated version of this well-known chorus was published, with some new words :- “If you’re feeling sad and weary If you’re down in the dumps There’s something you can do Count your blessings Name them one by one And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.
Sitting here at my desk and looking out over our back garden all looks peaceful and quiet. The sun is trying to break through the clouds and so far today it has not been raining. The garden is beginning to dry out after such a wet Winter, the trees have their fresh foliage, the apple trees are in blossom, the flowering shrubs look their best at this time of year, and there are a pair of robins nesting in the ivy. We can take comfort in and enjoy these small aspects of nature, knowing that our God is in control – and we can surely count our blessings.
When we hear the news of the terrible events going on around the world one can easily be overwhelmed, saddened and anxious, but let us focus on those happier things nearer to home – we all have many reasons to be thankful and cheerful.
Whilst we aren’t in a position to influence world issues, we might be able to make some small differences to those we meet day by day by sharing Christian love and care. Living our lives in hope and cheerfulness as we go about our daily business.
In his letter Paul writes to church at Colossae (ch 3) “Whatsoever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father”.