Two Trips to Kentucky

Late this Summer, I was scheduled to speak at a youth event in Kentucky. It was an honor to be asked, and I gladly agreed. Since the congregation where I would be speaking was only about 30 minutes from where my parents live, I asked my elders if my family could take a few days vacation “around” the speaking engagement. They kindly agreed.

On that trip, though, I ended up with another work to be done. A man from Paducah lost his wife in a horrible automobile accident. It was, in every sense of the word, a tragedy. The congregation and the family were both rocked by the experience. Since I was going to be there, the family asked me to come a little early and lead singing at the funeral. While I knew it would be difficult, I was honored to be asked.

That was July.

Last week, I went back to Kentucky for the Thanksgiving holiday. It was a joyful time and I loved seeing my family for an extended period of time.

Wednesday night we went to the mid-week services, but they were a little different. Central has a tradition of having a singing and prayer night the evening before Thanksgiving. Jeremiah (my brother-in-law) and I were both honored to be asked to lead a couple of songs.

One of the other song leaders was the gentleman (and I use that word literally) who lost his wife in July. I found out later that he also lost his job a few days ago. He is a single father and, while he is doing okay financially, he still needs to work to earn a living for his children.

I had never been present when he led singing. I was impressed. He confidently announced his song number and led the songs well. But his leading was not the impressive part.

The song selections were.

Here was a man who lost his wife and his job within a few months. He is raising two children while trying to secure another working position and, I found out after services, was also planning out his menu for Thanksgiving, since he would be cooking!

What songs did he lead?

First he led “Thank You, Lord.” The song features the line, “Thank you, Lord, for blessing me.” I was already amazed. Here is a man who has been through more in just a few months than I have in my entire life and he is thanking God for his blessings.

His other selection, though, is the one that really prompted this article. He led “Count Your Blessings.” I understand that it was the evening before Thanksgiving, but, still…here is a man who, to many people, would have very few blessings to count.

He, however, understands that blessings aren’t always the “big” things, like a spouse or a job. Sometimes our blessings are the little things, like air, health, food and friends. He is thankful for even those things.

The next time I forget about those things and I start complaining because my life isn’t filled with blessings, I hope I will be able to slow down and think about this man who was able to lead “Count Your Blessings” after a series of tragedies.

When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,
And you will keep singing as the days go by.

When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
Count your many blessings. Wealth can never buy
Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.

So, amid the conflict whether great or small,
Do not be disheartened, God is over all;
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.

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.