Remembering what counts

The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. (Luke 2:20)

Thoughts: What do you do after Christmas?  Pay bills?  Take a breath?  Watch football?  Make returns?  The week between Christmas and New Years is a good time to take stock.  Many people will help you.  You will see articles and media pieces trying to summarize the previous year.  All the stars who died in 2016; all the main headlines; all the major crimes or trials.  Usually what you will not see listed are- 1) All the prayers answered;  2) All the good things learned in Sunday School or church; 3) All the people who were helped by charity- the food given, the utilities paid, the houses for the poor fixed, the orphans or abused/neglected children sheltered, the refugees fed, the clean ups volunteers made of the environment, the animals helped, et al.  4) The friendships made; 5) The verses of scripture read; 6) The people invited into good or to God; 7) Those welcomed into membership or fellowship in churches.  The spiritual side of things will be neglected as if they didn't happen, didn't matter, or don't (not can't but won't) count.
    But the shepherds counted- all the things they had heard and seen.  They recounted them to others.  Mary treasured the things she heard in her heart.  Think back to what God has seen you through in 2016.  Do not just say, "Glad it's over" but thank Him for seeing you through.  If you had a spiritual experience- think about it and chew on it.  Have you become a better disciple of Jesus because you lived in 2016?  Count your blessings and glorify and praise God.

Prayer: Lord, help me to remember you. Help me to see your hand at work in my life and not forget it.