A Season to Count Our Blessings

Summer evokes images of slowing down and fun in the sun. Family time spent splashing away in the pool and backyard BBQs. Long days at the beach, toes in the sand, the rhythm of the waves breaking onto shore lulling me into deep relaxation as the sun warms my skin.

Like many of you, however, my schedule is hectic and demanding leaving little time for fun or relaxation. In that overwhelming rut, it’s easy to skip moments of mindfulness filled with gratitude and prayer. I’ll raise my hand and admit I’m guilty! But as summer stretches out before us, when we tend to make more time for relaxation and family, it’s the perfect opportunity to regroup and refocus; to use this season of slower and longer days to count our blessings.

I’ll go first:

By the grace of God, I get to be wife to Gary, mom to Meredith, and mother-in-law to Van.

By the grace of God, He chose to heal me 25 years ago when I faced a life-threatening illness and emergency surgery.

By the grace of God, He provided and made a way for us in challenging financial times.

By the grace of God, I was rescued from decades of hopelessness, the result of living life my way.

By the grace of God, my marriage was restored from one of darkness to one filled with joy and hope.

By the grace of God, I experienced God’s presence and His peace throughout a year-long medical journey when I faced multiple surgeries and unexpected complications.

By the grace of God, I enjoy good health now, the best in 30 years.

By the grace of God, my little girl is expecting her own little girl, and I excitedly await the day I get to be a grandma.

By the grace of God, I see my worth through God’s eyes, not the world’s.

By the grace of God, I feel deeply and dearly loved because Jesus paid my debt on the cross.

Friend, I’m sure you have your own list of blessings, too. Consider taking the time to count them, and then let’s pray this prayer together:

Lord, You have been so good to me. Forgive me for the times I’ve failed to remember Your goodness and the blessings You’ve granted me. There are too many to count! As we enjoy the slower pace and longer days of this summer season, help us to slow down and refocus our minds on You by practicing the mindfulness of gratitude and prayer. May we practice daily the opportunity to count our blessings and remember that it’s by Your grace that we receive them. I pray we find creative ways to model gratitude with our children and grandchildren and that we mentor others to do the same. Thank You Lord for the gift of Your grace. Amen.