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Count your blessings #lockdowndiaries

“Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings, see what God has done!
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your many blessings, see what God has done.
And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.”

This is the refrain of the song by Johnson Oatman Jr which was sang happily mostly at Sunday school where I had no idea of the import of the message it carried. As a child it was just one of those songs with a melodious tune to it which was equally pleasing to the ear.

Personally I know all too well, how very easy it is to fall out of love with God during difficult times not to mention what the whole world is currently facing with this Corona Virus. On the other hand, have you considered other things you should be grateful for regardless of what you are going through? It’s all a matter of perspective and I chose this day to start counting my blessings whilst on lockdown whether I have it easy or not.

(Except for No. 1 all others are in no order of preference.)

1. God

God is with us everywhere and everyday, all we need to do is ask, have faith and trust the process. If a virus that is not visible to the eye causes you to fear why can’t you believe and trust God who loves and cares for you?

Can you imagine not having anyone to turn to during this lockdown?

2. Health

Complaining already? Imagine having a family member not feeling well. Consider the the additional stress and dilemma of getting health care for them. Do you risk going to the hospital?

Be thankful you do not need to take on the emotional burden of having a close friend or relative infected with the virus and in critical condition.

3. School and teachers

We thank God for schools and teachers. They certainly take some time off our hands to care for our kids which gives us the opportunity to attend to work, earn money and build a better life for our family. An average of 10 kids per class to handle on a daily basis and yet as their parents with under 10 kids we are already feeling the stress.

They also have families but are doing their best to help our kids with their education. Inasmuch as it is exhausting for parents (I complain too 🙂 ) it is also exhausting for them.

Image credit: Pexels

4. New relationships

I got the opportunity to interact with a classmate and we got to learn something intimate about each other. I should say we now have something in common thanks to this pandemic. I am thankful for the friends who are ready to provide a listening ear and inspire me when I am at my lowest and cheers to new relationships that would not have been possible if we were not on lockdown.

5. Food and basic necessities

At least if all is not well, you manage to eat everyday right? You have not starved yet. Seeing the videos of the homeless rushing for food or having to end a day with no food is very sad.

Even if it is gari soakings, it fills you up so we should still be thankful. Others have it worse.

6. Roof over your head

I watched a Citi TV interview with headporters and kitchen helpers. They sleep in the open on raised concrete platforms. What if it rains?

If you are complaining of your one chamber apartment or the “face me I face you” house you live in, remember that you are protected from the harsh weather conditions and can afford to stay home.

7. Technology

This wasn’t part of my list but after listening to the Talk it out podcast, something they said made me appreciate what we have now. Picture this!

What if Corona appeared 20 years or more ago? With no technology to video chat or get in touch with friends or loved ones. No form of entertainment it could have been worse!

Image credit: Pexels

If you feel blessed already with the “little” you have why not extend help to others as well? You could donate money to societies and groups giving out basic necessities and providing PPE to frontline workers, you could say a prayer everyday for the leadership of your country and all frontline workers, you can support a small business that is affected by sharing their eflyers, provide motivation and encouragement to those who need it etc

The love should not end with us, it should overflow to others as well.

I counted 7 blessings, help me continue to spread the love by telling me what you are blessed with that I missed! STAY SAFE

If you feel like to talking to someone during this difficult period feel free to reach out via email to omtsdigest@gmail.com.

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