by Steve Higginbotham
“Count your many blessings, name them one by one, count your blessings see what God hath done. Count your blessings name them one by one, and it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.” These words were penned by Johnson Oatman, Jr. in 1897. They serve to remind us that we have been too blessed by God not to give thanks to Him.
The year 2010 will always be remembered by my family as a year of life-changing decisions. The forfeiture of the familiar for the unknown was unsettling to say the least, but it has proven to be a step of faith that has led us to so many blessings.
In particular, we are thankful for:
1. Our transition to Karns. Looking back, it couldn’t have been easier. We feel we have been the recipients of God’s providential care in this transition. 2. The congregation at Karns. We’ve been here full-time for nearly six months now, and have been so impressed and encouraged by the Christ-like character of this congregation. We have been challenged to be better people because of the church here. 3. Possibilities. When I consider all the things we have the potential to accomplish, I get excited. I’m thankful to be a part of what is going on now, and what has yet to be realized. 4. The elders. Not many elderships would have been as patient in allowing us the time we felt necessary to leave Glasgow and arrive in Knoxville. 5. New friends. Our arrival in Knoxville has been accompanied with many new friendships; new friends who feel like they’ve been friends for all our lives.
We’re blessed indeed! And I suspect you are too. As we go through this season of “thanksgiving,” please remember to give thanks to God for His countless blessings. In all likelihood, all of us have some situations in our lives we would like to change if we could, but don’t allow those matters to obscure your blessings and how good God has been to you.
Maybe it would help if you would “count your blessings, name them one by one, and it may surprise you what the Lord has done.”