Overcome life’s struggles by focusing instead on the blessings and benefits you have been given that enrich your life with purpose and joy.
Although it is easy to get caught up in anxiety or dragged down into depression when life takes a wrong turn, turn your thoughts to the many good things you enjoy and possibly take for granted. If you live in the United States, there is a good chance your standard of living is higher than that of ninety percent of the world’s population. As you think about your day-to-day lifestyle, consider all of the personal or family conveniences and pleasures that can be easily overlooked while dwelling on problems, disappointments, and losses.
With so much to be thankful for, here are some common gifts bestowed by God that deserve our appreciation and gratitude.
Mental and Physical Health
Not everyone enjoys perfect health, but we live in a nation with a dynamic health care system that offers access to anyone through various means. Private health insurance, employer-provided health insurance, and government health insurance are widely used for preventative care as well as immediate medical needs. Health care expenses like doctor visits, emergency treatment, physical therapy, rehabilitation support, and prescriptions are some of the ways in which you can have your health care needs met. Health problems of just about kind can be diagnosed and treated to the extent possible for that condition.
Employment
Although some people are unemployed, many jobs remain unfilled. Job training is widely available to learn new skills and seek higher-paying jobs or those with better working conditions. Unemployment benefits are available under certain circumstances, and government support provides food, housing, and medical care for those in need. Homeless shelters offer safety and support on an emergency basis. You likely have enough food to eat and adequate warmth for cold weather. You also have access to health care and opportunities to earn income or learn a trade.
Education
In this country, public education is free. There are also many kinds of financial aid, including scholarships and grants, that cover the costs of higher education. On-the-job training may be available at companies seeking new hires without experience. Certain colleges offer free online courses. Libraries provide books to borrow at no charge. If you want to learn new things or prepare for a career, there are several ways of doing that.
Exercise
If you cannot afford a gym membership, there are many walking trails and metro parks in or near cities and suburbs to enjoy. The park systems provide safe, convenient, and often guided walking paths to get exercise at no cost while enjoying the peace and quiet of nature. When your budget is too tight to cover entertainment expenses, take a stroll in the park and meditate on the goodness of God. Quiet walks in nature are also a great time to spend in prayer as you meditate on God’s goodness in your life.
Family Blessings – Gather Together to Share Gratitude.
Childhood Family
Whether you have natural parents, live in a foster home, or are adopted, you were brought into a family according to God’s plan. Not all families function well, and some experience extreme difficulties. But chances are good that you have a loving relationship with or memories of at least one family member if not several.
Marital Family
If you are married, you have a spouse with whom to share love for the rest of your lives together. Your shared faith can strengthen both of your relationships to God and each other. Children in your marriage reinforces the family bond and expands the affection that is shared among all the members. You might also enjoy harmonious relationships with your in-laws, especially around the holidays or when celebrating family milestones.
Church Family
Communing through the Holy Spirit, a church congregation establishes a family-type bond that will connect you for eternity. If you have joined a church, get involved in ministry or assist where needed to help the services and activities run smoothly. If you are not a church member, find a church that teaches Bible doctrine. In addition to a biological family or sometimes in its absence, you can make life-long friendships that will last forever and give or receive spiritual support when needed.
These are just a few ways that God can bless your life if he hasn’t already done so. Take time to thank him for all that he has provided up to this point and ask him for what you need, going forward. He is faithful and will answer according to his providence.
Dear God, thank you for the countless blessings you bestow on me every day. Help me to be mindful of them and never take any of these gifts for granted. You are all-good and all-wise, providing just what I need and many of my wants. In Jesus’s Name, Amen.