by Johnson Oatman, Jr. pub. 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 has done.
   • Refrain:
     Count your blessings, name them one by one,
     Count your blessings, see what God has done!
     Count your blessings, name them one by one,
     *Count your many blessings, see what God has done.
     [*And it will surprise you what the Lord has 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—*money cannot buy [*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.

There are so many distractions in this world, so many of which are out of tune with how you want to feel, that it is difficult to maintain your attitudes, belief systems, and emotions. Circumstances can create situations that can become very volatile where things get out of hand quickly. Personal choices can get scrambled easily and beyond belief. Where is reality at that point?

I believe that focus is the key to survival in this world at it now exists. What are you centering your attention on? Is it the news, tv reporting, politics, or the first cup of coffee in the morning as you quietly observe the beauty in your surroundings? That answer makes all the difference in the world. Are you breathing deeply or stressed out, causing you to breathe from your upper lungs? The crux of the matter is there. Is the world outside of your six senses being allowed to dictate your reactions, thoughts, and emotions?

No matter what your belief system is, the problem is the same for all of us, individually. Peace of mind is available to each one of us, no matter the circumstances. “Count your many blessings” is at the core of letting stress go, releasing our thoughts and emotions to center on something else instead of whatever is causing our stress. Changing our focus is vital to our survival.

How long has it been since you stopped your merry-go-round long enough to see beauty in your surroundings, to taste the food you are eating in lieu of just stuffing it in, to take a deep breath with your eyes closed and are thankful for the gift of life…?

The answers may surprise you. You have the power to choose: Stop or keep going in circles…Breathe…see the beauty and majesty around you…count your many blessings right now. Then ask yourself if the price you are paying without that idea is worth the stress and price of enduring it…to keep on without changing a thing…

God bless your journey and your choices, which is God in motion in your life.