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!

A little arithmetic for you

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

Those who gather crops on time are wise, but those who sleep through the harvest are a disgrace. Good people will have rich blessings, but the wicked will be overwhelmed by violence. Good people will be remembered as a blessing, but evil people will soon be forgotten. (Proverbs 10:5-7)

Have you ever stopped long enough to think about your blessings? When you engage in this process, you will likely realize many of those 'blessings' came through very hard work. It wasn't that you 'achieved' those blessings on your own, though. God gave you both the ability and know-how to achieve them. Blessings come in the form of accomplishments, people, and even physical things we can see and touch. The greatest of blessings may just be the peace we experience each day as we settle into the arms of Jesus and enjoy just a little time in his presence.

It may feel like life overwhelms us from time to time - leaving us thinking all of God's blessings have left our lives. This is the furthest thing from truth - for many of God's greatest blessings seem to come through the hardest of times. Why might that be? If we are truthful with each other on this one, we might just have to admit the 'hard times' actually bring us to our knees. They cause us to reach out to God in new ways, with greater tenacity, and in increasing measure. It isn't that God wants us to endure hard times - it could be that he allows them on occasion because he knows they will drive us deeper into his arms.

What drives you into the arms of Jesus? Is it the 'not knowing' of uncertain times? Could it be the 'not feeling loved' moments when you realize you are alone and without companionship? Might it be the 'disgusted times' when you knew you should have made another choice, but followed your feelings instead of the prompts of the Spirit of God within? Regardless of 'what' drives you into the arms of Jesus, it can be the place of our greatest blessings. We need those moments, but sometimes we don't take the seek them on our own. If we are challenged into his arms, it is okay. If we come willingly and with great delight, it is better! Just sayin!