Taking Inventory

Dr. David McLennon once wrote about his very first job in a small-town general store. At age thirteen he was hired as a handy boy. He would sweep the flour, bag items for customers, and put up stock. One Saturday, he heard the owner say to one of the clerks “It’s that time of the year again, it’s time to take inventory.”  He wasn’t quite sure what that meant, so he went up to the kindly older man and asked, “Sir, what is an inventory?” Patiently the owner explained that an inventory is when you make a list of everything that you have – from groceries on the shelves to wrapping paper and string. Still somewhat confused, McLennon asked the owner why.  “Well,” he responded, “it is easy to forget exactly how much you have each year. Every now and then you have to take an inventory just to see what all you have.”

This little story raises the question for us: Have I taken inventory of my life lately? Have I made an effort to count all the blessings I have in my life?

So often we are apt to complain about the challenges we face or about what we are lacking. What if instead, from time to time, we sat down to list the gifts, blessings, and opportunities God has given us?

It is easy to forget just how much we have. Every now and then, let’s take inventory. This week would be the perfect time to start!

Let us pray: You are good, O God, and you have been good to us. As we make our lists, may your peace rest on us. And, may we remember again that we are blessed to be a blessing. Amen.