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Blessings by the Way

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Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Sep 3, 1872

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 40, No. 12.

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Blessings by the Way.

By N. F. Heald

GRATITUDE is one of the sweetest emotions of the soul; and a thankful heart is a happy heart.
We lose much of life's sweetness, its glimpses of heavenly joy, by a spirit of ingratitude, murmuring, and discontent. We forget the daily blessings that distill upon us like the dew upon the flowers, and are as constant as the air we breathe. There are many precious blessings by the way, if we were but watchful to gather and treasure them up. But wayside blessings like wayside flowers often pass unnoticed.
The Giver of all good is ever mindful of his children, and his tender mercies are over all his works.
We see the evidence of his goodness on every hand.
The delicate and varied hues of the flowers show forth his skill, wisdom, and benevolence.
They silently whisper, “God is love.” Their fading petals remind us of, and bid us long for, those flowers that never fade.
The sky is a source of beauty and blessing. It is always beautiful, and its bright beauty is for all to enjoy. Who can behold the varied forms, the white peaks, and silver-edged clouds, that gild the horizon at noonday; or, watch the ever changing scenery of the heavens at sunset, or at early dawn, and not feel to exclaim, “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handiwork.”
The changing seasons as they pass, are loaded with his benefits, and replete with the lessons of his providence.
If our hearts respond with love to God, we may recognize through all a loving Father's hand; and why not be content since he orders our lot? He knows what spot in all the earth, what surroundings, and just the circumstances that are best fitted for each one. He, in infinite wisdom, has planned our lives, and placed us just where we can best fulfill his plans and develop Christ-like characters, fitted to dwell in his own blessed presence. Every day brings fresh proofs of his watchful love that shapes our course. “Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.”
Shall we repay such love with ingratitude? Will it not grieve Him if we murmur, and are discontented at our lot? Yet how often we do this, and manifest a selfish and impatient spirit. How often we allow the daily discipline of trials and annoyances to chafe and fret the soul till we grieve away the good angels and lose the blessing we might have obtained. It is by watchfulness and prayer that we can overcome and obtain the sweet grace of patience.
It is the spirit of gratitude that will enable us to appreciate the blessings by the way. God is pleased with a thankful heart. “It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto thy name, O Most High.” Paul says, “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”
The privilege of meeting with those of the same precious faith, on the Sabbath or at other times, is one for which we should be deeply thankful; especially when we are favored with the labors of God's faithful ministers. These tried soldiers of the cross are spending their energy and strength to edify the body of Christ, and help us on in the way to Heaven.
Our opportunities of listening to the faithful preaching of the word are to the scattered ones doubly precious. Like refreshing showers, in a dry and thirsty land, they cheer and refresh the soul.
May we wisely, and with deep gratitude, improve these precious seasons as they pass, and at the end of our pilgrimage find rest, and a home in Heaven. N. F. HEALD.
Temple, N. H.