The Blessings We Forget to Remember

I was reading a book recently, and one line moved me deeply. It said that we shouldn’t so quickly forget our blessings—the very things we once prayed for. And wow… did that hit home.

I know I’m guilty of it. I’ll bring a need or worry before the Lord, pray about it, wait, hope, watch…and then once the prayer is answered, I sometimes move right along without truly stopping to recognize the blessing. It reminds me of the story in Scripture (Luke 17) where Jesus healed the ten lepers, yet only one turned around, came back, and said thank you. I don’t want to be the other nine. And I’m guessing you don’t either.

Because I know what it feels like when gratitude really settles into my heart. You’ve felt it too, right? When you take a breath, look around, and suddenly notice the blessings surrounding you—even while some prayers are still unanswered, even while life still has its worries. That shift in perspective… it changes everything.

Sometimes I get so focused on the prayer that hasn’t been answered yet that I forget the ones that have—those burdens that once seemed so heavy but are now long gone. Out of sight, out of mind. But when I pause and remember, it’s like light breaking through. It lifts my spirit, steadies my steps, and fills me with renewed hope. Gratitude really is balm for the soul.

And then I read a beautiful line in a book that summed it up perfectly:

“Do not forget the former favors bestowed on you and your family. An empty perfume bottle still smells, even after the perfume is gone.” (Voices from the Past, Volume 1 – Amazon affiliate link)

Isn’t that good? Even after the moment has passed, the fragrance of God’s faithfulness lingers—if we stop long enough to breathe it in.

“Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; and he fell on his face at Jesus’ feet, giving him thanks.” Luke 17:15–16 (ESV)

December 14, 2025 Morning Brew

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