COUNTING IS THE WAY TO JOY

DO I SOUND LIKE A GRATITUDE JUNKIE? I probably am one. So much of the misery I see and experience is rooted in a lack of gratitude.

OF COURSE, THE WORLD IS IN A MESS. It’s been that way since shortly after man and woman showed up. But, the world isn’t entirely awful. Good leaks out and shows itself every time I look for it. Of course, it’s up to me to practice looking.

I’M NOT BLIND. I take note of what’s wrong, but I don’t concentrate on it. I believe that I bring into my life what I give the most attention to.

LET ME EXPLAIN what I mean with an example. Suppose I need a new raincoat. I find myself noticing what kind of raincoats others are wearing. I go into stores that sell them. Raincoats are everywhere! I try several on. Before long, I find one I like that fits me and my budget. I bring that raincoat home.

GRATITUDE IS LIKE THAT. If I look for good—for things to be grateful for—before long I find them. Maybe they were there all along. Maybe like a woman who doesn’t need a new raincoat, I never noticed what I passed by every time I entered the mall.

SO, WHAT’S THE POINT? Why do I choose to look for things to be grateful for? Why don’t I concentrate on what is wrong?

BECAUSE I WANT JOY IN MY LIFE. I want to be the kind of person for whom a kind word becomes the most spontaneous thing to say. For whom a smile seems the most natural way to greet a stranger. I want to finish my day knowing that I’ve been blessed many more times than I can count.

MOST OF ALL, I want to know the Source of all these blessings, and I am confident I will know Him by His generosity. All I have to do is cooperate by counting.

SO, IF YOU, LIKE ME, are looking for a joy beyond mere happiness, join me in learning to count.

You are blessed. Be a blessing!