I'm told to count my blessings. Which is always a good idea. After all, the practice of counting my blessings helps me practice the art of gratitude.

But what are these blessings for? They are not meant to make us feel special. They are not meant to make us feel loved. Rather, the blessings we have received is to help us love God and love others.

Take a moment and identify a few blessings. For each blessing, say a short prayer of gratitude. Then ask yourself these three questions:

How does this blessing help me love God?
How does this blessing help me love others?
How does this blessing help me love myself?

Imagine yourself using this blessing to show love, mercy, and compassion for someone and resolve to put it into practice.

Close with this prayer or with one of your own choosing.

Lord, thank you for the blessings you have given me. May I always share these blessings with others through acts of love, mercy and compassion. Amen.