I slipped away for a quiet moment before this evening’s company to read each blessing on my 2017 “blessing calendar.” I started keeping a blessing calendar at least 4 years ago when Cassie (now my daughter-in-law) created a personalized photo calendar for me. It seemed a shame to simply write down our busy schedule on the beautiful calendar and throw it away at the end of the year. I loved that calendar so much that I wanted to find an extra special use for it. So I decided that each night before I went to bed, I would write down at least one blessing that I received that day.
Every year, Cassie continues to create a new calendar for me, and every year, I continue to write down my blessings. Looking for these blessings each day has been very therapeutic. No matter what troubles arise or how bad my day is, there is always something to be thankful for, even if it is simply that I was able to get out of bed or that I was able to make it through the day.
Every year on December 31, I read through each blessing that I wrote down that year and reflect on what a wonderful year it has been. Sometimes, if I’m feeling a bit discouraged, I read through the blessings before the end of the year as well.
So many special memories resurfaced this afternoon as I read through each day on my calendar. Once again, this has been year with both laughter and tears. We’ve had times of celebration as well as times of trials. Whatever the day, or week or month brought, each day still brought blessings. The trials and heartaches are not written down on the calendar. However, when I read the blessings and answered prayers that are recorded, I am reminded of the difficult times while being able to see at the same time that God came through.
I will finish 2017 off this evening surrounded by my family which is one of my biggest blessings. We will eat, play games, talk, laugh and enjoy each other’s company. I will go to bed knowing that I am a very blessed woman and wake up to 2018 looking for the many blessings that I know are in store.