Catalyst

When I'm worried and I can't sleep
I count my blessings instead of sheep
And I fall asleep counting my blessings

When my bankroll is getting small
I think of when I had none at all
And I fall asleep counting my blessings

So if you're worried and you can't sleep
Just count your blessings instead of sheep
And you'll fall asleep counting your blessings


This song has frequently found it's way to my mind since I watched White Christmas earlier this season. It's a rather simple song, but something about it (probably enhanced by Bing Crosby's voice) resonates within me. All too often in our culture, and especially at this time of year, we get wrapped up in what we don't have and the pressures surrounding us. And sometimes those pressures are really big, hard to deal with, life altering things... but I wonder if instead of focusing so thoroughly on the tough things in our lives, if we took time regularly to think about the ways we feel loved and the ways we are blessed, what changes that might cause. When I am told that I've been a blessing, it matters. It affects me. I might shrug and say, "no worries," but I'm glad and it affects my mood. When I see people around me dealing with serious stuff yet finding things to be joyful about, it makes me recognize the blessings surrounding me. That's how I want to be. That's what I want to be to you. Counting blessings can be a catalyst for change.

Not all is for naught

Here are some things I am thankful for in relation to getting stuck in extremely snowy highway traffic for about five hours after work:

• It wasn't six hours
• Of the dozens of broken down/abandoned/stuck cars and jack-knifed trucks I saw, none seemed to be serious accidents
• My car wasn't among them... I love my little Hyundai.
  
• The two electricians late to work at the train station who chatted with me for a portion of the non-journey while they were stuck in their truck next to me.
  
• The opportunity to stick my head out the window and just let the snow fall on my face, letting the beauty of it sink in.
• The many friends commiserating with me via text messaging.
• Daryl going through the same thing a mile ahead of me... It made me feel less alone.
  
• Sufjan Steven's Songs for Christmas... relaxing music is key.
• That I didn't die when in the middle of Rt 4 my windshield wipers got icy and stuck.
• That I didn't die when I had to pull to the side to fix them.
  
• That my dad encouraged me to learn to hold my bladder during family vacations... also key.
• That my heat works... almost too well.
• Daryl called me with advice for a faster escape... (I still love you for this).
• I learned of the joy that can be found in 10mph.
  
• That I made it up an unplowed on-ramp for 195.
• Ryan Bankas came to shovel out my parking spot for me.
  
• Jillian offered to brew some tea for me.
• I made it to Corey's birthday celebration in Fort Minor.
• Neck warming pillows and relaxing massages.
• Irish Hot Chocolate

What I'd really like to know though, is where in the world were all the snow plows when they were needed?