Gratitude and Blessings Verses Chaos and Fear

 "Gratitude is born in hearts that take time to count up past mercies."

Charles Edward Jefferson (1860-1937)

On my way to work one morning I stopped at a nearby pond and watched this geese family for awhile. When the goslings were all headed under Mom I snapped this picture right before she went down over them. I've always liked this one.

Our country has not seen an emergency like this one for awhile now. At least not in my lifetime. Oh, I can remember back in the 70s when there were long lines for gas, and a few other emergencies through the years, but not an illness of this magnitude and concern affecting the entire country.

I fear it will get worse before it gets better. It is serious and something to be on top of. But it has caused me to reflect on things I'm grateful for and have been blessed with. That certainly is better than being afraid or hysterical.

Will you join me? Will you take some time to calm yourself and consider all that has happened in your life and how blessed you truly are? Can your thoughts turn toward gratefulness and what you can do to help others rather than hurt the situation?

The first blessing that came to my mind is of the Godly men and women who are providing encouragement online through video. I have my favorite people I enjoy listening too, and I'm sure you have yours too. I'm so thankful to be reminded of the protection we have from God and encouraged that He is in control of all things.

Another early morning drive to work I watched these two walk past a family of geese and goslings. With their heads up in the air, I felt they were saying: "I guess they're cute enough, but they aren't as cute as ours."

I've recalled that I've never been in want of anything. Living in the United States of America has made it possible to always have a home to live in, always have food on my table, always have clothes to wear and work to do. There are many here that haven't enjoyed those things I take for granted. We can all help those in need.

I've had cancer, but I live in a country who knows how to restore health and heal many physical concerns. Doctor, assistants, nurses and all who work in the medical field providing care to sick patients have been provided with the best medicines and equipment to work with. They do the best they can to heal and care for those they attend. That is a blessing.

I know I will recall many more blessings and avenues of gratefulness in my life. I know days before us may become very hard until this emergency is under control. But I also know the one who holds the whole world in His Hands. I have that security that whatever happens my life is protected with His Everlasting Arms and whether I lose much or gain little my life is in God's control.

On a retreat in Hershey, I enjoyed snapping these goslings at the hotel we stayed at.

Gratitude and blessings. I just started my list. I have a long way to go. How about you? And what can you do to help your neighbor as we all go through this emergency together?

This is one of many prayers floating through social media.

Dearest Heavenly Father, thank You for all the wonderful Blessings You give us each and every day. LORD thank You for Your Grace and Mercy and Forgiveness You give to us through Your Son Jesus.
LORD we are facing a very bad disease known to us as COVID-19, I know You know all about it. LORD I'm asking you help us to contain and concur this virus and that you give healing to those who have contracted this virus and give protection to those who don't have it. LORD please bring our spirits together even though we cant come together physically.

"It is only with gratitude that life becomes rich."

Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906-1945)