There comes a time

There comes a time when one must stop and ponder, pause and think. Then begin to add one to another the things that are going well. To count the moments that are good and pleasant. And say, it is well with my soul. 

Sure we could continue to focus on only the poor decisions we see made around us, we could continue to focus on all the problems we encounter, but where does that get us? What does this focus on the wrong and frustrating achieve? Honestly, the vast majority of the problems we see, we have no direct connection with. Yes, we can raise our voice and lift a hand at the appropriate moment, but on average we obsess far too much for the minimal actions we take.

So if we were to take an honest look at our lives and truly observe the events and moments we have, there are many good and pleasant moments and opportunities to count. There comes a time to count them. A time to set aside the frustration and notice that there is still very much good in our lives. It is far too easy to let frustration rule our lives and miss the beauty of the day. Far too easy to let the poor actions of people strip the joy out of our lives. People have always been people and have made decisions that have caused others to look on in disbelief throughout all of history. So there comes a time to focus not on the faults of life but on the blessings and wonders instead.

There comes a time when we look out our windows, count the good, and focus on the wonder. This is that time. This is the time to recognize that not everything is wrong and falling apart. Now is the time to recall the smile of a child and the laughter that accompanied it. Now is the time to count moments of good.

For the last year and a half, we have been told to fear, to look our windows, and tremble at the problems we face. We have been told to fear what was coming and indeed what was here. Our focus was torn from enjoying family dinners and drinks with friends and turned to stories of the dying and the coming disaster. Fear was the ruling factor, the dominant theme pouring out of every source influencing our lives. Now is the time to count the good.

Now is the time to lift our heads and smile, rejoicing in the beauty of our lands and the stories we have heard from family and friends. Count your blessings is not just a song sung by old people in dusty halls, it is a way of life that keeps your focus on that which matters. It sets your thoughts on those things that lift your heart and make you smile. It frees you to think and act and make accurate decisions. Let your hope be renewed and see that your days are filled with good. Now is that time.

Count your blessings, name them one by one, I expect you will be pleased with the result.

Blessings.