Numbers.
I never particularly liked arithmetic or mathematics, but I've shared my passion for words many times, so maybe it's time to do a little figuring. Not necessarily, addition, subtraction, or “gazintas” — no algebra,mgeometry, or calculus. — just simple counting.
It's something we do all the time! We count the days until our next birthday / anniversary / day off or vacation, right? We count down the last few seconds of the year to ring in the new one. We count the number of roses in a bouquet, or how many places to set for a dinner party. We count our golf strokes or how many wins the Vols have going into play-offs. Sometimes counting is a practical exercise: we count how many items are in our buggy so we can use the Express Lane at the supermarket. We count our pennies so we don't overspend. We count our stitches in knitting, but (speaking solely for myself) our crafting is still cattywampus on occasion. I love the hymn “Count Your Blessings.” One of the,songs in “White Christmas” is,Irving Berlin’s “Count Your Blessings (Instead of Sheep)” —these are both delightful reminders of God's gifts to us. (In case you weren't aware, the Cumberland County Playhouse is going to present “WhiteMChristmas” this fall! And bonus,sneak peek — the Cumberland,County Community Chorus has a “White Christmas” medley planned this season as well). There's a quote that really makes me think: “What if you woke up this morning and had only the things you thanked God for yesterday?” I know you've heard Father Tom's sermon with the story about the granddaughters praying at Thanksgiving — naming every pet, both of their sisters, parents, grandparents… so sweet and innocent, and yet wise beyond their years. Let's be honest, I know I would have very few possessions, opportunities, friends, etc. if everything

I neglected to be specifically grateful for vanished. a daunting thought!
Years ago, I began practicing an attitude of gratitude - thankful for bills, dirty dishes, and whatnot. That simple shift made me realize that everything is a blessing, even if it seems like a curse. Who are we to question God's grace? That realization contributed to my having a more positive outlook on life, and I sincerely believe, to even more blessings! I have a
testimony of tithing, as do many of you: it's definitely a part of the blessings I count.

Consider this a challenge to offer a verbal or a written thank you to the people whose actions make your day a little more pleasant. Honestly, they don't expect your recognition or even acknowledgement, and gratitude benefits both parties. Have you ever individually thanked the church secretary, the pastor, the vestry members, or the musicians? What about the clerk ringing up your purchases? The postal worker delivering your mail? The waiter who serves your lunch? How many others with whom you interact every day deserve a word of appreciation?
How about writing a letter or email, or calling someone who now lives a long way away, someone
from the past who would be truly surprised to receive a friendly “thank you” for something they did which you appreciated, even if it happened years ago. Make it a habit to express a sincere “thanks” to anyone who has an impact on your life, no matter how small it may
seem to you. On this note, have you thanked God for all the blessings of THIS day? And for His past blessings?
Gratitude, and its expression, is something to think about and, hopefully, incorporate as we go forward day by day, continuing to receive blessings and benefits from the actions of so many. I know I'll try to do more to live with a grateful heart.
So, thank you for reading this!
Sylvia