2016’s Blessings

Can you believe it? Another year, 2016, is in the history books. As 2017 begins, it can be so easy to be so focused on the things we are planning for 2017 we forget to take time to thank God for His many blessings – big and small – from 2016. So, let’s take some time to remember the blessings we experienced throughout 2016. Consider the following . . .

• Take time to stop and think about each blessing – big and small – God sent your way. Write them down then focus on and thank God for the many ways He blessed you. God has blessed me with His amazing love, grace, faithfulness and a family I’m so thankful for! I have been able to see His hand of blessing as He answered prayers for my family and in how He has blessed me with friends, a church where I can serve and opportunities to write! Certainly His blessing on the Legacy Coalition and our first-ever National Grandparenting Summit (which was actually International) was filled with His blessing all along the way! These are just a few of His many, many blessings to me!
• One of the best blessings God gives us is the opportunity to be a blessing to someone else! Take time to seek God and ask Him how He wants to use you to bless someone else. Remember, a simple word of encouragement may seem small to you, but to the one who receives it, it could be one of their biggest blessings of the year!
• Be ready to share with others – especially your grandchildren – how God has blessed in 2016 – this can be very encouraging!
• And don’t forget to be quick to listen to how God has blessed others – again, especially your grandchildren – in 2016 as well! Rejoice with them and thank God together!

So . . . as 2017 begins, make time to intentionally focus on and “ponder” the great works/blessings God has gifted to you in the past year and praise Him for them, because we do need to remember and He is gracious and compassionate!