Blessings Are Found Where We Stretch Ourselves To Meet Life

Should I count my blessings?

Should I be grateful for the life I have. The talents and skills I possess. The experiences I have had. The people I have met. The things I have accomplished.

Or should I just take them for granted. Just accept what is put our way, what we are. But not real acceptance born out of awareness and appreciation, but out of boredom and disinterest, ingratitude and lack of focus on what is important in life.

We should be wary about falling into this trap. But it may well catch us unawares. To extricate ourselves we need to step back and reflect on our life and what we are doing and our values.

Do we have a proper system of values? Do we have principles by which we live or try to live?

Or are we rudderless and have to accept the direction the winds of life may blow us in. Because we do not assess nor discern what is good for us, nor what we should really be doing with our time.

We all want to belong and be a part of the circle in which we live. That is fine. Seeking the friendship and approval of others is fine, providing we are not bending over backwards in trying to please other people. For in that way we end up in a whirlpool. Trying to please so many different people, so many different points of view and stance - how can we ever manage it.

Instead we need to know what we stand for. Not be rigid in this viewpoint but rather flexible and adaptable. But know who we are and what we need to do.

Others will respect and accept us for who we are. A human being who is trying. A human being who is putting effort in - just like they are.

Stumbling here, succeeding there. A step forwards there, a step back here.

We can all relate to that. We all understand that. And we can help one another along the way.

And not get too caught up in the action not to give a little time to reflect and give thanks. Be grateful for small mercies. Be grateful for the life we have.

Blessings are there for us if we look with a childlike heart.

And march forward to experience the life that is there for us.