What a difference twelve months makes! This time last year we were only just welcoming back the majority of the student body from their five-week covid hiatus. Still unable to have whole school gatherings, assemblies continued to be presented in form classes, online. How good is it to be here now!
One of my mum’s favourite reminders to me growing up was “don’t forget to stop and smell the roses”. While this quote served as a reminder in times of busyness, acted as an antidote when I felt overwhelmed or anxious, or was an exercise in mindfulness and thankfulness, it was also great in reminding me to be intentionally on the lookout for all the good things in my life, and to acknowledge the source from which they and many other blessings have come.
I notice that I am very quick to turn to God in times of trouble and need, when I need His intervention or help. But am not as quick to recognise and thank Him when things are going well, when I am experiencing a season of rich blessing. Today, twelve months on from the covid school break, I recognise and thank Him for the much more positive situation we find ourselves in now.
According to University of California psychologist Sonja Lyubomirsky, “people who make a conscious effort to count their blessings on a regular basis show marked improvement in their overall satisfaction with life. If they make an effort to see the positive things in their lives, they are going to be much happier. And if you make an effort to dwell upon the blessings you enjoy each day, and if you have a grateful heart, you’re bound to have the sunniest dispositions.”
As a Christian, it is easy to be thankful because I know that what I have in this life comes from a God who chooses to bless me. What I have is not a matter of luck, blind chance or accident, but from someone who has my best interest at heart and is daily demonstrating His goodness and loving kindness toward me, even if at times I fail to see or understand.
Psalm 103:1-4 says “Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy”.
And in 1 Thessalonians 5:18; “In everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus”.
Every day and in every situation, we should strive to find that which we can celebrate and thank God for. Especially when things are going well, and we are experiencing a season of blessing. It is good for our soul.
