According to Michael Shannon, "In Reed, North Carolina, you will find the Reed gold mine. It was first excavated in 1799 when Conrad Reed discovered a strange rock on the Reed farm. In 1802, a jeweler in Fayetteville offered Reed $3.50 for the rock. It turns out the rock was gold and was actually worth $3,600 dollars. What did Reed do with the rock for three years? He used it as a doorstop at his house. How often are we oblivious to the true value of things?"²

I don't know about you but I find it all too easy to be blind to the endless blessings daily at my door step and take these for granted. Blessings such as the food on our table, many methods of transportation, education for all, the roof over our heads, running water, electricity, etc. When we think of our brothers and sisters around the world that may not have these things so easily accessible, it puts things in perspective and should awaken a heart of gratitude in us and remind us to pray for those who are suffering from lack of such things.

Every day I make an effort to thank God for all the incredible blessings that I experience daily. As the chorus of the old time hymn we used to sing with great enthusiasm in years gone by encourages:

Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings, see what God hath done!
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.³

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please open the eyes of my understanding so that I will no longer be blind to the endless blessings You have given to me every day of my life. Most of all I thank You for the incredible blessing that You have given to all mankindâ€"the blessing of giving Your Son, Jesus, to die on the cross to pay the penalty for all our sins, and for Your gift of forgiveness and that of eternal life. Thank You for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully in Jesus's name, amen."

1.  Psalm 92:1-2 (NIV).
2. J. Michael Shannon, Source: Preaching.com http://tinyurl.com/2cxgrg
3. Johnson Oatman, Jr.

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