I Am Blessed

"When you have eaten and are full, then you shall bless the LORD your God for the good land which He has given you. Beware that you do not forget the LORD your God by not keeping His commandments, His judgments, and His statutes which I command you today." - Deuteronomy 8:10-11

I've realized lately that I have a tendency to focus on the negative. I don't mean to be that way, and I never really considered myself a pessimist. I guess I always thought of myself more as a realist. Anyways, when it was brought to my attention that I tend to shoot down ideas, it helped me realize that I tend to do that in other areas of my life, too. For instance, I have a tendency to forget all the ways that God has blessed me, and instead look at what I am lacking. I also tend to forget the seemingly little things, which in fact, are huge. I have plenty to eat. Anyone who sees me can know that immediately. I am not hungry, and I have three meals a day. I have a great place to live. I have a family that loves me. I have friends who truly care about me. The list could go on and on. So often I forget to be thankful for these many blessings that the LORD has given me. In reality, I do not deserve any of it. Yet the LORD decided to bless me in so many ways. I am in a country where I am surrounded by poverty, people who do not have enough to eat, and many who are completely alone. I work with kids who were abused and abandoned. How is it that I so easily forget how blessed I truly am? The LORD knew, which is why He warns us to not forget Him in our times of plenty. We cry out to God when we are in need, but how often do we remember to praise Him in our excess? I am wealthier and have more advantages than most people in this world. I am going to try and focus more on what God has provided in His mercy than what I lack. I hope to hold more to a positive attitude, and continually remind myself that I am blessed!