Week of Thanksgiving - Thursday AKA Thanksgiving Day.

Here we are, the fourth Thursday in November, which here in the United States means it's Thanksgiving.  Its a day where we cook up a feast, maybe drive to a family members house and break bread.  It was originally intended to be a day of thanksgiving for a successful harvest.  Some use it as a day to reflect on their blessings.  I am one of those people.

As a zoomed around the kitchen this morning preparing for our little feast (aided by my ever present sous chef, Aaron), and old hymn kept going through my head.  The lyrics follow, please feel free to sign along.

Count Your Blessings by Johnson Oatman, Jr.  Published 1897

1. When upon life’s billows you are tempest-tossed,
   When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
   Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
   And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.
   • Refrain:
     Count your blessings, name them one by one,
     Count your blessings, see what God hath done!
     Count your blessings, name them one by one,
     *Count your many blessings, see what God hath done.
     [*And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.]
2. Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
   Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
   Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,
   And you will keep singing as the days go by.
3. When you look at others with their lands and gold,
   Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
   Count your many blessings—wealth can never buy
   Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.
4. So, amid the conflict whether great or small,
   Do not be discouraged, God is over all;
   Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
   Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.

*Alternate text.

On this Thanksgiving Day, I look around and see so many blessing.  To many blessing to list.  I hope you have had a wonderful thanksgiving.  Now my dear reader, I am about to partake in an activity I am extremely thankful for...a nap.  Melissa