Despite my last name, I’ve never cared much for the movie White Christmas. Not enough action, too much dancing and schmaltz. I must give credit to the film, though, for the meaningful song lyrics sung by Bing Crosby and Rosemary Clooney:
When I'm worried and I can't sleep
I count my blessings instead of sheep
And I fall asleep counting my blessings
When my bankroll is getting small
I think of when I had none at all
And I fall asleep counting my blessings
Counting Your Blessings (Instead of Sheep) by Irving Berlin
Schmaltzy or not, these lyrics express a similar encouragement as the Bible – to give thanks. I’m reminded of an even older song (hymn): “Count Your Many Blessings.”
While, as an unashamed financial geek, I like to count things, I believe it’s therapeutic for all of us to count our blessings. May I suggest counting your blessings through a Blessing List this Christmas season?
Creating a Blessing List is a simple but powerful exercise to focus your attention on gratitude instead of discontentment. It’s an antidote to envying and coveting. Here’s how to do it:
- Identify and write down at least 40 blessings that God has given you.
- List very specific blessings (not just the usual general ones recited: health, family, and country). Mention your child's unique laugh, your spouse's kisses, the physical ability to still enjoy your favorite sport, eating a fresh berry pie, and so on.
- Complete it during several of your quiet meditation times with God.
- Review it when you feel as if someone else has more than you or when you are tempted to give up family time to earn more money.
I am confident that you would not want to trade your blessing list for anyone else's. You can see that you are already rich in blessings and don’t have to buy the biggest house, the latest electronic item, or the most expensive truck.
May our Blessing Lists help us have more thankful hearts, guard against envy, keep us from unwise financial decisions, and – most importantly – give glory to God by recognizing Him as the source of these many blessings.