Web Page Letter
May 2009 Count your Blessings
My dad was a great fan of Bing Crosby. I have always been a great fan of Elvis. As we enjoyed our different musical tastes in the 60's he used to say "Elvis will be forgotten in 10 years time" and I used to say "Bing is past his sell by date" (except I don't think we had sell by dates in the 60's). The thing is – we were both wrong. And I ended up as a big fan of Bing Crosby – especially "White Christmas" which is a 'must watch' every year (I’ve even got the DVD now!) In the film Bing gives great advice to Rosemary Clooney "When you’re worried and you can’t sleep just count your blessings instead of sheep. And you’ll fall asleep counting your blessings". I know Irving Birlin's music is much better than his lyrics but the message of the song is spot on.
Some of you will be aware that I've been through a 'rough patch'. Last year was tough – being with my dear colleague Pat through her illness, having the 'high' of her ordination and then the low of her death – and of course supporting everyone at Hillside at the same time took its toll. In January it was like 'hitting a wall'. I knew God was there with me – but that's about all. If there was light at the end of the tunnel it looked like a train coming in the opposite direction. Yet when I look back I can see what sustained me and what got me out of the tunnel. It was those blessings. Even at my lowest point there was always one that I couldn't ignore – that very special 2 year old for whom every statement and every request included the word 'granddad'. Every good and perfect gift comes from God (James 1:17) and Ella was exactly the gift that I needed. Ordinary things become special blessings – watching the swans on Watergate Lake, looking at the frogs in our pond, and singing along to Mama Mia. Having a complete break speeded my recovery – I regained physical strength and emotional stability. I then received a major boost in a most unlikely way. All the local funeral directors had been told to give me a break. But then I got a call from a 'not so local' one to ask if I could do the funeral of one of my neighbours (who I have known for 25 years). I quickly resumed that they wanted me – Bob – their vicar – not someone 'filling in', and so I said "yes". The funeral was fine – all my neighbours were very affirming – and I felt what a privilege it was to ‘be there’ for people – a real blessing.
That funeral was a turning point for me – not only have I made a good recovery since then but I have experienced a big change of attitude. I am so aware of being surrounded by God’s blessings – and keep praising him for his goodness. Being here is a blessing, so is the view from my study window, my garden is a blessing, so are the preschool kids playing outside.
On Sundays I am blessed by our church family- preaching is a blessing, so is leading worship, and the puppets and the drama. I keep praising God for all these things, and am cultivating what Joyce Meyer calls “An attitude of gratitude”. So I am grateful for Bing Crosby’s advice – it is the same as a song I used to sing in Sunday School.
"Count your blessings
Name them one by one
And it will surprise you
What the Lord has done".
I say yes and Amen to that
With every good wish.
