Count Your Blessings.

By Yvonne Dasler in All Sorts

encouraging us to reflect on the good things in our lives

COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS...
For a while, yesterday was coming perilously
close to becoming a “snivelling day.” You know what I mean �" one of those days when it’s drizzling, a succession of small things goes wrong (“Where did I leave my reading glasses?”)
and the whole world seems against you.
The last straw was when I had returned from the supermarket without the one item �" COFFEE! �" that I absolutely, positively needed the most. It was becoming dangerously tempting to subside in a deliciously self- indulgent attack of the “poor mes.” In the past year there have been so many personal losses and hardships that I felt almost entitled to have a little wallow.
But then the phone rang -- a dear friend from Christchurch, checking to see how I was faring. And after 15 minutes of chatting about nothing of any importance whatsoever I felt chirpy enough to start a long deferred project and reflect on my good fortune to have caring people in my life. Time to count my blessings, so here goes in no particular order.
• I have people to love, and am loved • My country is nuclear-free • None of my children plays the bagpipes, so I’ve never (unlike
others of my acquaintance) had Noise Control hammering on my
door • Diabetes free, I can enjoy chocolate • I can afford chocolate • Wonky as it is, we live in a functional democracy
• Coronation Street now plays three times a week • My house is warm and dry • I have a house • I’ve never (unlike others of my acquaintance) had to go dumpster-diving for food • Jesus has personally assured us there is wine in heaven • When I take sick leave it won’t be for cholera or typhoid • Somehow, the health system kicks in at the point when we’re about to give up on it • None of my grandchildren (unlike others of my acquaintance) plays underwater polo, so I’m not obliged to sit on the sidelines watching the world’s most boring spectator sport • I’ve never had to flee anything • Despite neglect, my garden blooms year round • I live in Aotearoa • Although it doesn’t contain as much chocolate as I would wish, there is plenty of food in my pantry • I don’t live in South Sudan • My church is in walking distance • I can walk • I have a car, so I walk because I want to, not because I have to • I can worship without fear of reprisals • Smoking is going the way of the spittoon • Every day of my life there has been laughter • My waist is (only just) narrower than my hips • And the good in life far outweighs the bad.
In every thing give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
Yvonne Dasler, Blenheim guest contributor