This math is hard

The hardest arithmetic to master is that which enables us to count our blessings. (Eric Hoffer)

Great blessings belong to those who know they are spiritually in need. God’s kingdom belongs to them. (Matthew 5:3)

Schoolwork came easy for me until I reached that upper-level math referred to as calculus. Algebra, Geometry, and even Trigonometry was fine, but when I got to that calculus level, my head just couldn't wrap itself around it. There is just some 'math' that is harder to grasp than others, I guess. The one 'math' I have been trying to grasp more and more is the 'math' of counting my blessings. How about you? Are you aware of the blessings God brings your way each day? Some will escape your notice - that is a given. They are the 'less obvious' ones and maybe even the ones we just take for granted. The more obvious ones are easiest for us to recall, aren't they? God's blessings are there - we might just need to learn how to 'count' them.

Blessings are not always obvious, making it harder to 'count' them. One such blessing is what we are doing right now - breathing! Do we thank God for each breath? Likely not, but we can thank him for the ability to be up, about, and accomplishing the tasks that are laid out ahead of us each day. Some blessings we might 'take for granted' a bit are things like our ability to rise in the morning, walk through the day, and even the health that we enjoyed throughout the day. God's blessings are there, but we have taken them for granted. When we take them for granted, we are assuming they will be there. When they are not, does it amaze anyone how quickly we turn to God to question why they are not? 

One thing I have noted in my own life is how 'spiritually in need' I am each and every day. There are days when I 'feel' that need a bit stronger than other days, but I am ALWAYS in need spiritually. How about you? Have you recognized your own spiritual need? When we recognize that need, we are assured of God's consistent presence in our lives, helping to fulfill that need as he knows only so well where that need is best met. The hardest 'math' to learn is counting our blessings - the easiest way to realize God's blessings is to invite his 'searching presence' into your first breaths of the day. As you invite him into your day, you are on the path to being open and available to realize his blessings.

We can never ASSUME God's blessings will just 'be there' in our lives. We must allow the cultivation of our spirit by his Spirit. That is what opens us up to receive what only he can meet. Invite him and then start counting! The blessings of his presence are beyond our grasp sometimes, but they are never not there for the one who takes time to have him cultivate their spirit with his. Just sayin!