Remember those evening “singspiration” services at church where anybody could choose any hymn for the congregation to sing together? Sitting with your adopted grandpa on those hard pews, eating his Canada mints, and getting your favorite number ready to shout out? Maybe that was just me.

Yesterday, in preparation for today’s staff meeting, I was looking up the lyrics of the hymn “Count your blessings.”* Our staff was going to spend one of our weekly meetings recounting ways that the Lord has blessed us, and I was trying to figure out what to say by way of introduction to the session.

Remember this peppy hymn? Written in 1898, it has great rolling harmony lines and an even better challenge, a favorite hymn of those Sunday night request times.

When upon life's billows you are tempest tossed,
And you are discouraged thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.

Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,
And you will keep singing as the days go by.

As I thought through the lyrics, I became so thankful for the theology I learned in 2/4 time:

1. Life is hard. There are billows, burdens, conflict, and care. Doubts may creep in.
2. Money can’t buy true comfort. Neither can lands and gold provide peace.
3. God is present. He is at work and He cares.

I am not home yet, and until I am, life is hard, but God is good!

Oh, and our staff had a great time reflecting on the goodness and provision of the Lord in these days. Check out one of the collections of blessings below.

What are some blessings you can share with those around you?

*Just as a funny moment for you: lyrics.com has Cole Porter listed as the author of this hymn! Yet another great example on why you need to check your sources!