Not what we say about our blessings, but how we use them, is the true measure of our thanksgiving. – W. T. Purkiser
It’s a curious term “blessing.” Dictionary definition: a thing conducive to happiness or welfare. Notice, it doesn’t say anything about whether blessings are earned or bestowed or whether we get them strictly by chance. Saying that I’ve been “blessed” with family, friends, talents, material comforts, good health, etc. might imply to some that God has given me these. To others, that I’ve earned them. I don’t quite see it that way.
Polly Berrien Berends said, “Each moment is either a blessing to enjoy (and that’s a lesson) or a lesson to be learned (and that’s a blessing).” The implication is that if you’re living in synch with the laws of the universe, blessings will be there to enjoy. If you’re not, lessons will be there to be learned. The more I learn life’s lessons, the more blessings I’ll be able to enjoy. By that measure, I’m doing pretty well this Thanksgiving.
How much do external circumstances matter? I don’t think most people can be very happy if they don’t have access to the basic necessities of life — food, clothing, shelter. But in this country, that’s not very many people. Even our poor are richer than 90% of all the people who’ve ever lived.