Literally Count Your Blessings

    I once heard the leadership guru, Jim Collins, say that you should count your blessings.  Literally, count them.  In fact, spend an hour writing every one of them down.  Better yet, compile an Excel spreadsheet full of every possible blessing you can think of.  If you reach 100, keep going. 

• The perfectly placed dogwood in my backyard that acts as an umbrella throughout the summer.
• The fact that my wife's witty humor makes me a more grounded man.
• Our house.  It is a comfortable fit for communal living, even if it is a little small. 
• The belly laughter of my children when I tickle them. 
• I can still play basketball, even though it's a young man's game. 
• The fact that God does unexpected things that I may not like, but are for my good.
• And on . . . and on . . .

     And when you're finished with your long list of blessings, review them.  And note that you had nothing to do with making them happen.  Blessings are a gift, not a right.  Blessed Thanksgiving.