Counting My Blessings

 "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." Roman 8:28

The old song say to count your blessing, name them one by one. I have been thinking about my life and I have been counting my blessings recently. Although, I must admit that the things that I count as blessing today did not seem as blessing as they were happening.

For instance, during the financial crash of 2008 and 2009, we lost almost all of our worldly assets. We lost all of our money, I lost my career, we barely kept our house and one vehicle, and we declared bankruptcy. But through it all we survived. We learned to live on less. And we learned that God can be trusted and that God's people can be amazingly generous. I also began my third career as a driver which I would have never done if the economy had remained strong. And I was able to sell my old house and buy this house. All things work together for good.

The other issue was my wife's illnesses and ultimately her death. Kathy was the sick one in our family. She had aches and pains and arthritis and no amount of confessing and repenting seemed to make any difference. Then he had breast cancer including surgery and chemo and radiation until we though she had beaten it. And then she died. While Kathy was sick I had to do the shopping and fend for myself for meals and do my own laundry. Abilities that have served me well since I was forced to live on my own. All things work together for good.

Today I see couples who both must work just to make ends meet. Both work full time to maintain a high standard of living; nicer cars, bigger newer homes, etc. I was able to retire proactively simply because I had learned through adversity how to live within my means no matter how slim those means were. I discovered ways to thrive using what I have and I made great strides towards being content with what I have. 

"..for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content. ...I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:11,13