[Devotional] IN HIS PRESENCE: Count your blessings; do not take them for granted

By Oke Chinye

Read: Psalm 127:3-5

Meditation verse:

“Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward” (Psalm 127:3).

I watched a movie about a couple who couldn’t have children of their own. They decided to adopt and ended up with three children given up for adoption by their mum who was an addict and couldn’t look after them. Living with their adopted children turned out to be difficult at the early stages. The eldest child was bitter, and she took her bitterness on her adopted parents. She became difficult to control and would not listen to their instructions; reminding them at the slightest opportunity that they were not her parents. All three children refused to call the couple ‘dad’ and ‘mum’. The couple refused to be deterred; they continued to pour their love on their adopted children; treating them as they would their own. Whilst out at a park one day, the little girl said, “thank you dad” to her adopted father; he was completely taken aback. And when all three children eventually turned around, it was obvious it meant the world to the man and his wife.

As I reflected on this movie, I recalled I had been on a phone conversation with one of my girls just before I saw the movie and she had ended our conversation with “bye mum, I love you”. I also recalled the many times I had heard words like “thank you, mum”, “bye mum”, “good morning mum” and “I love you mum”

from my children. Was I overwhelmed with joy like the couple in the movie? Did I see it as a big deal? If truth be told, the correct answer is no. I had heard those words so many times, I had begun to take them for granted. I did not have to beg God for a child or wait for several years to get one. He had blessed me with four without my asking. I was grateful to Him but over the years, have I not

began to take these blessings for granted?

I learnt a valuable lesson that day as I pondered on the story line of that movie. I learnt never to take anything or anyone in my life for granted. Every role that I occupy is a privilege and a blessing. I am blessed to be the wife of a good man. I am blessed to be the mother of four adorable children. I am blessed to be a

daughter, sister, friend, and child of God. And I am not taking any of these for granted. You shouldn’t either.

IN HIS PRESENCE is written by Pst (Mrs) Oke Chinye, Founder of The Rock Teaching Ministry (TRTM).

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