By Betty Predmore

 ”Why me, Lord? What have I ever done to deserve even one of the pleasures I’ve known?”  The opening lines of a song I used to sing in church as a young teenager.  I’m not sure why those words came to my mind just now, but I can say that they have caused me to contemplate my blessings.

And as I ponder this, I realize that I don’t spend enough time acknowledging my blessings.  I need to make more of an effort to inventory these blessings on a routine basis, if for no other reason than to just stand in awe and amazement of what my Father in Heaven does for me.

Sure, we notice the “big things”…those blessings that are so evident that we can’t miss them.  But what about the “little things”?  Do we notice, and if we do, do we just pass them off as luck or coincidence?

God has given me so much in my life.  I have beautiful children, a husband who loves me beyond words, a home that is full of love and laughter, a job in ministry that I love!  I have a church and a church family that are awesome.  I have food, clothing, and just about anything I want or need.  My parents are still alive, and I even have the joy of having my father in my home.  I have a brother I am proud of and an extended family that I love so much.  I am able to participate in organizations and activities that make a difference in my community.  My children make me laugh and tolerate my “being me”.  The list goes on an on.

I am so grateful for all the “pleasures I’ve known”.  I am so grateful for the blessings still to come.  I am so grateful for every morning that I wake up and The Lord uses me in the way He has planned.   I am grateful for every kiss, hug, smile, and tear that I get to be a part of.  I am grateful for every prayer that is prayed over me, and every prayer I get to pray over someone else.  I am grateful for memories, that keep the past alive in our hearts.  I am grateful for the loud and boisterous times in my home, and the quiet times of solace.  I am grateful for the beauty I see in the world around me, despite the ugliness that goes on.  I am grateful for each breath that I take, and I want to make them count for His glory.

Like I said, so much to be grateful for.  So many blessings I have experienced.  But what I am most grateful for, what has been the greatest “pleasure I’ve known”, is that Jesus Christ died for me and I am loved by my Father in Heaven.  That I am forgiven and each day is a fresh start for me.  That I can find hope in the hopelessness, and faith where others may doubt.  That I have eternity to look forward to, and heaven awaits me.  ”Why me Lord?”  I ask.  And He answers, “Because I love you.”