Rarely do I ever think of Thanksgiving without remembering the elementary play when I was in the first grade. Funny how you can recall what happened 70 plus years ago and can’t remember what you had for breakfast this morning. Back then, children were encouraged to share their faith, sing hymns and even pray in school. Winter Park elementary school in Wilmington, NC regularly had plays and programs in the school auditorium and most of them had religious content. I am thankful that I grew up in more innocent times and that home and church were not the only places that applauded and appreciated one’s faith.
Our First Grade play was entitled “Count Your Blessings”. The play was both serious and humorous. The auditorium was filled with doting parents, grandparents and relatives eager to see how their children performed and standing on the sidelines when the performance was over to give hugs and kisses no matter how well or poor their children came across on the public stage.
Like the title, the principal song was “Count Your Blessings”. It is a song that has stayed with me all these years and continues to hold a special place in my heart. Take a moment to reflect upon the message that came from the pen of Johnson Oatman, Jr in 1897, and continues to resonate today.
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.]
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.
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.
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.
Have a Blessed Thanksgiving
In His Love,
Charles
