By Carol Round – “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ”— Ephesians 1:3 (NIV).
As I write this post on November 12, I remember how blessed I am. I woke up this morning a year older. Turning 71 is not a big deal for me. I don’t need beautifully wrapped gifts and I don’t anticipate any, but that’s okay. There’s not anything I need. However, it’s a bonus blessing if I do receive something.
I’ve had numerous phone calls, text messages, and birthday wishes on social media this morning. I’m in awe and humbled by the number of people who care enough to take the time to send me those wishes. When a former student sends me birthday greetings, I know my time as an educator was worthwhile. Knowing I made a difference in their lives is one of the best gifts ever.
My family is taking me out for dinner this evening. Spending time with my sons and grandchildren is better than receiving a wrapped gift. Their presence, love, and teasing are better than anything material they might give me.
The Blessings of Family
I’m blessed with two wonderful sons and five grandchildren. One of those is a bonus grandchild. All are a blessing as my gray hair turns even grayer. I tell others I’m grateful I still have a full head of hair because some of my family members leave me so frustrated sometimes, it’s a wonder I’m not bald.
That’s when I remember my prayers for them, and the Holy Spirit’s whisper, “I have them in the palm of my hands.”
One thing I’ve noticed about growing older is I count my blessings more often. Waking up each morning to greet the day ahead is a blessing. Even though the aches and pains of my aging body remind me I’m not getting any younger, I’m grateful God is not finished with me yet.
God is Not Finished
Before retiring from public education in 2005, I planned to pursue newspaper freelancing writing and growing my photography business. But God. God had a better plan, actually the best plan for my life.
When I count my blessings, I include listening to that still, small voice leading me on a different path. God also led me to move to a larger community, where I could count on one hand the number of people I knew in Claremore. But as my circle of acquaintances and friends grew, so did my blessings. Without their encouragement, I would not be using my writing for His glory.
I’m so thankful God got my attention in early 2005, leading me to file for retirement after a 30-year teaching career. By the way, I may have shared this before, but someone wiser than me once said, “Carol, you won’t find retirement in the Bible. It’s called God’s redirection.”
When God Redirects Our Path
When you let God redirect your path, life is an adventure. Following His leading is the best choice I ever made in my life. That was almost 20 years ago, and I have no regrets.
Life is filled with joy when we choose to count our blessings and not our regrets. For those who accept and follow Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord, the greatest blessing is found in the heavenly realm because every spiritual blessing comes from Him.
And when we praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, our life overflows with blessings, sometimes too many to count. Have you counted your blessings lately? How has God blessed you this year? Grab a pen and paper and make a list. You just might be surprised.
P.S. I will be taking a break from my writing until January 2025 because I am scheduled for a hip-replacement surgery on December 5. I would be humbled if you would add me to your prayer list. Have a blessed Thanksgiving, a Holy Christmas and a safe New Year.
I always love hearing from my readers. Please e-mail me at [email protected] with your thoughts or visit my blog for more inspiration at https://carolaround.com.
Photo by Sixteen Miles Out on Unsplash
