Count Your Blessings

There is a song that I remember from my youth that the Ray Conniff Singers did – “Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep.” The lyrics, in part, are, “And when we’re worried/And we can’t sleep/We’ll count our blessings/Instead of sheep.”

I’ve always loved that song not only because of how well the Ray Conniff Singers performed it, but also because of the message it carries. I am lucky to have blessings to count.

At church on Sunday I was reminded by my pastor that we Americans are among the richest in the world. The disproportionate amount of wealth that we have is embarrassing, and yet, we still think we need “just a little more.” I know that I have, on more than one occasion, spoken those exact words. But at this time of year (one of the few times of the year), we are encouraged to slow down and reflect on those blessings that we enjoy. I would like to share a couple of mine with you.

As you know, I started this newspaper with not much more than hope and the money Steve and I had saved to re-do our kitchen. And, to be honest, eight years later I still have the ugliest kitchen in La Crescenta. But I also have the best newspaper around.

On Friday, I had a chance to share my story with a group over at Glendale United Methodist Church. These mostly senior citizens were an incredible audience, not only because they invited me to lunch and gave me the microphone, but most of them were well over 80 years old – some over 100 years old. These folks have truly seen it all and yet they were interested in hearing my story. I’m grateful they thought my story was worth telling.

I’m also grateful for those quiet angels who step in just when help is needed. Case in point: a local family needs a Thanksgiving dinner. Unfortunately, they just don’t have enough money this year to buy all the fixings for a Thanksgiving supper. Mary O’Keefe put the call out and on Monday an envelope made its way to our office with more than enough money to cover the costs of a Thanksgiving feast. Mary made her way to Frank’s Famous on Verdugo Road, which has consistently supported CV Weekly and other organizations, to order the Thanksgiving meal. Mary was told by the owners that if there wasn’t enough money to cover the costs to let them know; they’d take care of it.

Finally, this Saturday is the memorial for our friend Brett Tyler. It is being held at St. Luke’s of the Mountains – Sadler Hall at 1 p.m. One of the organizers, Todd Hessick (toddhessick@gmail.com), has set up a SignUpGenius account (http://tinyurl.com/y82k6cup) so folks can help out by bringing food, drinks, etc., as well as donating money to offset costs.

While the circumstances are heartbreaking, I do find comfort that, as always, this community will come together to make sure Brett’s memorial befits someone who did so much in the short amount of time he was here.

Happy Thanksgiving. I hope your blessings are as plentiful as mine.

  robin goldsworthy