GRATEFUL and BLESSED

Bless the LORD, O my soul: and

all that is within me, bless His holy name.

Psalm 103:1

While doing some work on my computer this week and in searching around for some special information, I came to a plaque on someone's wall. It simply had three words, one just above the other: GRATEFUL and BLESSED. I looked at it for a minute trying to get the connection. In a way, both words have some of the same meaning.

I decided in my own mind and heart that although similar, at least for me, one is a more private word (grateful) while the other (blessed) would seemingly be a word I would perhaps express to another person. Both words are somewhat intertwined but both are so direly needed in our day.

Most of us can recall when very young, if an adult gave us something or complimented us, our mothers would be quick to remind us “Say thank you.” We may have gone ahead and done that, but gratitude in that setting can be rather insincere at best, especially coming from children. Gratitude is a very personal quality and emotion that if expressed under pressure only isn't truly meaningful.

I am learning as of late that I have so many things to be grateful for, especially in the last few months. I think of Brian often, of course, and recall his love and care for me. He had a sense of humor that few people had the privilege of seeing. Such came through with family or friends he knew well. With me, he could make some of the craziest comments in his made-up screechy voice. I saw him as a Godly man with more character and integrity than most. He was firm in his beliefs and in his quiet way, would stand for what was right. I'm grateful to have had the privilege of knowing him well and at the same time learning from him. I'm not only grateful but feel very blessed.

The Word of God has meant so much to me, perhaps more in recent months than I can remember. I'm so grateful for how the Holy Spirit teaches me and guides me through so much of it that I've never really seen before. Along that line, I'm so grateful for our ladies Sunday school class I've been privileged to teach when our regular leader, Ruth has asked me to. These Godly ladies have been such a loving support and have seemed to know just what to say at the right times. Many have walked this same road as I am on.

All bundled up, I have had more things to be grateful for than I can list and because of it all, I am a very blessed person. In fact, it's quite overwhelming in a wonderful way.

Father, I don't know how to thank You for all Your blessings in my life. My heart is full of gratitude as well as just feeling so blessed for all You are in my life. In Jesus' name..Amen