Finding
Counting Your Blessings with Spiritual Memoir
My 27th Christmas was bittersweet. The sad part was that Christmas was going to be different soon. Once Craig and I were married we would share holidays. Sometimes, I knew I wouldn't even be with my mom and dad on Christmas day. Instead, I'd be celebrating with Craig’s family. I knew this was all a natural part of spending your life with someone. That didn't change the fact that I was still sad that some of my good things would have to change.
I have always loved Christmas in my parents’ home. We would always start the celebration with the little things. We'd take barrels of ornaments down from the attic. The tree would be chosen and left outside waiting. A few preliminary decorations were set about before the big day: colored lights were put around the kitchen window, stockings were placed in front of the fire place, mistletoe was hung above the French doors leading to the dining room, and the green, bell shaped music box with the silky tassel was hung from the living room door knob. The electric train came out to serve as a child’s much needed diversion in a sea of mounting excitement. Everyone would be eager. It was a wonderful time.
Even when something wonderful happens to you there is still some loss. It's wonderful to have a husband and a family but this new life comes with loss. In some cases, all I'm left with are good memories. These good memories matter to me. They are the reminders of the blessings God has given me and they are reminders that God is the giver of all good things. I am now finding that his wonderful, bittersweet new life I now have is because of Him.
What kind of life do you have because of Him? What are your past and present blessings? Do you see God as the giver of all your good things? What is the source of what matters to you? How can your spiritual autobiography help you count your spiritual blessings?