Count Your Many Blessings....

Many times I would here the words from this amazing hymn in my heart and mind as I watched Eric struggle throughout his transplant, when I had my two children crying to me asking "Why?" or say " Mom but this is not fair, why Dad, why us?" Many times I would have to dig deep and sing these words from this hymn and it would always bring me peace and comfort and allow me to look at the blessing we do have, to focus on the blessings we had been given not so much on Eric dying and his cancer.

These very words helped me on days when I thought we would, could not possibly get through one more minute like this during Eric's transplant. I think of his donor and the ultimate sacrifice he made very unselfishly saving Eric's life. I have such love and gratitude for him even though we have not met I am so amazed by his unconditional love for a complete stranger. I have always told my two kids "Attitude of Gratitude" I remind them often and have a sign in the family room where we all can see and be reminded of this. All of us not just my family have so much to be grateful for, so many blessings not just at Thanksgiving time but all the time. We all can count our many blessings, name them one by one....These words we all can carry and sing in our hearts and minds to help us when times are bad and even more importantly when times are good.

So often we remember our blessings and reflect when things are good but I have learned through personal experience how important that is when things are not so good, when things actually quite bad. When we are going through trials and tribulations that is when our faith and strength is not only tested but grown. I know how grateful I am for all my many blessings, for Eric and his health, for his bone marrow donor, for my two beautiful kids, for my home, food on the table, the gospel and scriptures, my career, so many things the Lord has given us.

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 has done.

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

Are you ever burden 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 be singing as the days go by

When you look at others with their lands and gold
Think that Christ has promised you his wealth untold
Count your many blessings, money can not buy
Your reward in heaven nor your home on high

So amid your 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.

I can not tell you how much these words have helped me and provide me peace and comfort allowing me to recognize all of my many blessings even during hard times. I am so grateful to the Lord and I keep thinking about where just last year we were at and what was going on and I am so grateful to the Clark family and our "Texas Ward" being there for us when we were so far away from home, alone for the Holidays.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I hope you enjoy your holiday and most importantly remember to always count your many blessings!