Everyday Blessings

Bible Reading: Psalm 34:1-3; Ephesians 5:20

“I actually thought it was going to be cool to have this cast on my leg,” Ben said as his dad helped him into the car after church. “When Joshua had a cast on his foot, the kids were always offering to carry his books and stuff like that.” Ben sighed. “I can’t say it’s been that way for me, and these crutches really slow me down.”

“I’m sure you’ll get used to them soon,” Dad assured him.

On the drive home, Ben’s parents discussed the church service. “Pastor Everson’s message was right on!” said Mom, and Dad nodded.

Ben frowned. “Maybe, but it was hard to pay attention when the microphone kept messing up. Did we have a new sound person today or something?”

Dad shook his head. “No, Mr. Stanley’s been running the sound board faithfully for years. I don’t know what happened with the mics today.” Dad paused, then said, “It’s like your leg, Ben.”

“My leg? What’s the sound guy got to do with me and my broken leg?”

“How often in the last twenty-four hours have you thought about your leg?” asked Dad.

Ben winced. “About a gazillion times.”

“Before your accident, you didn’t even think about the way your leg felt, did you?” asked Dad. Ben shook his head. “You never thought about the microphones or the great job the sound man was doing until something went wrong,” Dad observed. “Just like you didn’t think about your leg until something was wrong with it. We need to learn to be thankful and show appreciation for what goes right, and not be so quick to criticize when something goes wrong.”

Ben grinned. “But if I walk around saying ‘I’m sure glad I didn’t break both my legs,’ people are going to think I’m weird!”

Mom and Dad laughed. “Maybe, but it wouldn’t hurt for us to remember once in a while to thank God for an arm or leg that feels good,” said Mom. “The absence of pain deserves to get some of our attention too. Jesus has given us so many blessings, including the best one of all—eternal life with Him. Instead of only paying attention to what goes wrong, let’s thank Him for the many ways He shows us His love and takes care of us each day.”

-Mike Dize

How About You?

Do you notice when things are good and right? Those things are everyday blessings, but they often don’t get our attention the way painful things do. The next time your stomach hurts, thank God for the health you have. When you have to do homework or chores, be thankful for the times you get to play. Thank Him for all the good things He’s given you and for loving you and taking care of you each day.

Today’s Key Verse:
Psalm 68:19 Praise the Lord; praise God our savior! For each day he carries us in his arms. (NLT)

Today’s Key Thought:

Be thankful for daily blessings