Counting Blessings

My mom is dutiful in her reminders to me that we should always count our blessings. When the going gets tough, I remind myself to be grateful for the things I have, both big and small. Sometimes I take my many blessings for granted, but when I stop and really think about the goodness in my life, I feel lighter somehow.

When I first became a parent five years ago and struggled with the demands of being a mom, my mom continually reminded me to county my blessings. Five years in, I’d say being a parent has given me a new perspective on gratitude, some obvious, others maybe less so, including a good night’s sleep, living in the present, family and friends that help ground me, and other friends that make sure I’m not so grounded I lose my sense of adventure.

With Thanksgiving comes a time to stop and count your blessings and be grateful. As my child gets older, I’m trying to teach him to be appreciative. It’s hard in our material culture for children to really understand the value of things, especially the intangibles. But it’s an important character trait to grow, and it’s important he understand the value of helping others in need.

On Tuesday, Nov. 25, The Park is hosting the 2014 city-wide Interfaith Thanksgiving Service at its Beatties Ford Road location. In it’s 39th year, more than 1,000 people of all faiths come together to be thankful and slow down a minute and appreciate the little things together. This year’s sermon is “Committed to Love Amidst Paradox,” and is delivered by Rabbi Judy Schindler of Temple Beth El, the Rev. Ophelia Garmon-Brown and the Rev. Christy Snow, co-pastor of the Spiritual Living Center of Charlotte. 

And if you’re looking for a way for the family to start thinking about their blessings, this Mini Gratitude Journal is a great way for them to write down the things that they are grateful for in their lives.